Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!
Check out the new concept album from Rusty Shipp!

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

 

 

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

Search JFH



This Friday, June 27, 2025
ALBUMS
7eventh Time Down We Praise You [BEC]
The Browns 25th Anniversary: Better Days Ahead [StowTown]
Franni Cash Wild Child - EP [Capitol CMG]
Matt Crocker interlude [Anotherland]
Jimmy Fortune Songs of an American Dreamer [Gaither]
Roxanne Grace Road Trip - EP [DREAM]
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise The Live Reunion: Washington, DC [James Town]
Kutless The Seventh Seal - EP [BEC]
Evvie McKinney It Ain't Over - EP (independent)
Rusty Shipp Capsized Empire (independent)
SEU Worship A Forgiving God [Provident]
The Shimmering Carnelians The Doorway (Version 2.0) (independent)
We Are Messengers A Thousand Times - EP [Curb]

SINGLES
Anchor & Braille Rattlesnake - Single [Equal Vision]
ANTHNY imposter syndrome - Single [Provident]
Blanca Right On Time - Single [Curb]
Landry Cantrell & Elenee sunshine & rainbows - Single [DREAM]
Eddie Clark Never Content - Single [Syntax]
Colony House Atomic - Single [Roon]
Megan Danielle Preachin' To The Choir - Single [Provident]
Drea LP & OnBeatMusic Don't Try Me (DTM) - Single [Syntax]
ELI GABLE Glory Bound - Single [Capitol CMG]
Joseph Habedank Running to Me - Single [Daywind]
Lonnie Hunter Flow (Like A River) - Single [Uncle G]
Kashh Kade HELP - Single [Syntax]
KB x KEANU Keanu's Song - Single [Provident]
Tasha Layton Singing In the Dark - Single [BEC]
Tasha Cobbs Leonard The Hand That Keeps Holding - Single [Motown Gospel]
Claire Leslie Thank God I'm Not Alone (from Claire's Phone) - Single [Capitol CMG]
Tim Lovelace Celebration of America Medley (feat. Charlie McCoy) - Single [StowTown]
Lecrae Tell No Lie (feat. Jackie Hill Perry) - Single [Reach]
LO Worship The Perfect Love of Jesus - Single [Integrity]
Patrick Mayberry Thank The Lord - Single [Provident]
Michael Monroe John The Baptist (feat. Chris Renzema) - Single [Provident]
Alexander Pappas A Great Awakening / Un Nuevo Despertar - Single [Integrity]
PEABOD Summer in Seattle - Single [RMG Amplify]
Rave Jesus Walk On The Water Remix (From The Chosen) - Single [Provident]
The Rocky Valentines Nat Song - Single [Velvet Blue]
Tommy Royale, gio. Like Dat - Single [Capitol CMG]
Saints In Exile & Cutright My Dead End (ft. Jeannie Ortega, Luc DiMarzio, Jericko) - Single [Syntax]
Emilie Weiss Take Care (Studio Sessions) - Single [BEC]

DVD
Jimmy Fortune Songs Of An American Dreamer DVD [Gaither]

Next Friday, July 4, 2025
ALBUMS
Chad Cory America [DREAM]
Tenielle Neda The Way Of Love [Wings]

SINGLES
Christian Back Now - Single [DREAM]



For all release dates, click here!
 

Check out depositphotos for royalty free images