Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

JFH Music Review


Down East Boys, Comfort and Joy EP
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Down East Boys
Comfort and Joy EP



Genre(s): Christmas / Southern Gospel / Gospel
Album length: 6 tracks: 23 minutes, 11 seconds
Street Date: October 11, 2019


READER RATING:   


North Carolina-based gospel quartet Down East Boys brings some Christmas spirit to their powerhouse multi-part harmonies with their newest EP, Comfort and Joy. The wall of sound these guys create should give even non-gospel fans a reason to listen, as well as anyone who appreciates folksy Christmas carols.

The EP opens with the Celtic-inspired title track, complete with violin, wooden flute and a tribal beat that work well with the tight harmonies. The lyrics are a straightforward account of the Christmas story, with the chorus reminding us that Jesus "still brings us comfort and joy."

Next comes their rendition of "Glorious Impossible," which, while not exactly boring, isn't as dynamic as the other tracks. On the other hand, the lyrics are given a lot of space to make the point that the events of the incarnation, like the virgin birth and the resurrection, are impossible--at least from a human perspective.

The group's version of "Little Drummer Boy" has the distinction of being one of the few with an actual drum solo! Throughout the song, the drums have a huge presence without overshadowing the four-part harmonies. The track has a lively country vibe that's joyful, unlike many versions played on repeat throughout the holidays.

And speaking of joyful, the group's take on "Children Go Where I Send Thee" is pure Southern gospel fun. Even if you're not a fan of the style, the vocal performances are undeniably great, especially from bass singer Zac Barham who particularly shines as a soloist on the Celtic-tinged "Wexford Carol."

Although Comfort and Joy is a solid EP, "Carol of the Bells Medley" is arguably the strongest track. The vocalists and backing band all bring their A-game for this dramatic and festive closer that probably wouldn't be out of place at Epcot's Candlelight Processional. Possibly the only gripe is that it's too short, but it's a suitable end to a quality bit of Christmas cheer from this talented group of guys.

- Review date: 10/11/19, written by Andrea Hardee of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

 

. Record Label: Crossroads Records / Sonlite Records
. Album length: 6 tracks: 23 minutes, 11 seconds
. Street Date: October 11, 2019
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon.com (CD)
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)

  1. Comfort And Joy (3:08)
  2. Glorious Impossible (4:08)
  3. Little Drummer Boy (5:06)
  4. Children Go Where I Send Thee (4:30)
  5. Wexford Carol (3:27)
  6. Carol Of The Bells / Medley (God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings) (2:52)

 

 JFH Album Sample Player

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 


(JFH Sponsor Spot)

 

 

                 
Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

Search JFH




This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
SINGLES
Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
ALBUMS
1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

SINGLES
Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

This Thursday, November 21, 2024
ALBUMS
The Choir Translucent (independent)

SINGLES
Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

This Friday, November 22, 2024
ALBUMS
Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
Hope Through Grace John 20 EP [Southwest Hardcore]
The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
Kresher The Adventures of Sylas Spin EP (independent)
Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
mewithoutYou Live (Vol. One) (independent)
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
nobigdyl. nobigdyl. Unplugged, Vol. 1 [indie tribe]
Josiah Queen The Prodigal (Deluxe Edition) (independent)
R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
Since The Death His Heart Hates - EP [The Charon Collective]
Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 1 [Thumper Punk Records]
Various Artists Sunshine Acres Benefit Compilation, Vol. 2 [Thumper Punk Records]

SINGLES
7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
Paul Demer Let All Things Now Living - Single (independent)
Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
ELEVATION RHYTHM At the Altar (Acoustic) - Single [Elevation]
Happy Powers Garden Song - Single (independent)
Sam Hauge Fame You Can Buy - Single (independent)
Hollyn & Weathrman Trees - Single (independent)
Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
Memphis May Fire Shapeshifter - Single [Rise Records]
MŌRIAH Winter Wonderland - Single (independent)
The Myriad Time - Single (independent)
Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
Katy Nichole When I Fall - Single [Centricity]
Makenzie Phipps O Holy Night - Single (independent)
Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
Ravenhill The Shakes - Single [Honey Gold Records]
River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
Scapegoat Solace (feat. MajesticGhost) - Single (independent)
Seph Schlueter Stay (Gonna Be Okay) - Single [Provident]
Jordan Smith How Great Thou Art - Single [Gaither]
TKE3 Found (feat. Leya) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

VINYL
NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
VINYL
Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

Next Friday, November 29, 2024
ALBUMS
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

SINGLES
ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

VINYL
Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



For all release dates, click here!
 



Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images