I discovered The Roseline in a less direct way and started with their “Fans Only” release,Live in Norway’. This set shows the band at their most natural, relaxed. Hailing from Lawrence, Kansas, The Roseline began as a folk trio led by Colin Halliburton and has since evolved into a five-piece Americana ensemble. This hard-working group has quietly released eight albums of original roots and Americana music.
Her most streamed song, ‘Joy,’ was seen in the Netflix series’‘Virgin River’. Like many of their tunes, it starts out gentle and moody, capturing the heart of sad pop Americana before building into something more melodic, bold and truly sing-along. Halliburton’s plaintive vocals – happy, sad and serene – have a broad appeal and an honest authenticity.
When their sound drifts too far towards Americana pop, The Roseline ground things with a touch of roots rock.’To be alone’ out of ‘Keystone of the Heart’ does just that, channeling a rockabilly vibe that adds a bar and sawdust note.
Their records are rooted in the warmth and whimsy of Wilco. Big Thief smashed out the blues. They also have a love for the roughness of ’70s country rock – rough enough, but without ever losing the gentle warmth of the big chords that deserve greater recognition. Jackson Browne’s sincere honesty, Stones attitude.
Their latest album, “Keystone of the Heart’is described by Halliburton as follows: “a protest record that protests against the dissolution of a marriage, the hardships of existence in late capitalism as well as against grotesque hatred and violence.This may suggest a harsher tone than the music itself, but Halliburton’s gentle delivery often masks the more intense themes of his lyrics, as can be heard in the protest anthem “Saber Rattlers.”
Minimally efficient and effortlessly emotional.
