I took a less direct path to discover The Roseline, starting with their “for the fans only” release, ‘Live in Norway’. This set captures the band in their natural, laid-back form. Originating from Lawrence, Kansas, The Roseline began as a folk trio led by Colin Halliburton and have since evolved into a five-piece Americana ensemble. This hardworking group has quietly released eight albums of original roots and Americana music.
Their most-streamed song, ‘Joy,’ was featured in the Netflix series ‘Virgin River’. Like many of their tracks, it starts soft and whimsical, capturing the heart of sad-eyed pop Americana, before expanding into something more melodic, gutsy, and truly singalong-worthy. Halliburton’s plaintive vocals—happy, sad, and sanguine—carry a broad appeal with a heart-on-the-sleeve authenticity.
When their sound veers too close to the pop side of Americana, The Roseline ground things with touches of roots rock. ‘Aloneness’ from ‘Keystone of the Heart’ does just that, channelling a rockabilly vibe that adds a barroom, spit-and-sawdust edge.
Their records are rooted in Wilco warmth and whimsy. Big Thief busted out blues. They also carry a love for the rawness of ’70s country rock—rowdy enough but never losing that soft-hearted, big-chord warmth that deserves wider recognition. Jackson Browne earnest honesty, Stones swagger.
Their latest record, ‘Keystone of the Heart’, is described by Halliburton as, “a protest record which protests the dissolution of a marriage, the slog of existence in late stage capitalism, and grotesque hatred and violence.” This might suggest a rawer tone than the music itself, but Halliburton’s gentle delivery often masks the more intense themes in his lyrics, as heard in the protest anthem “Saber Rattlers.”
Minimally efficient and effortlessly emotive.
For what it’s worth, Joy is from the Constancy cd which is definitely worth a listen (imho) on your streaming service of choice. Physical copies are unfortunately thin on the ground.