Even though I inadvertently brought up his dead cat during the interview, Joshua McCaslin was quite pleasant to me during our talk. Joshua was super excited about Roselit Bone’s new record, appearing on Portlandia as one of Steve Buscemi’s drug minions, and was overall receptive to my unusual questions.
For Joshua McCaslin, it all started with punk rock. Whether it was darker or more of a rootsy punk sound, Joshua instantly connected to the music. Artists like Black Flag, The Gun Club, as well as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds all left an indelible mark on his musical taste. This became the sonic jumping point towards other influential genres like delta blues, folk, and country music. It was only a matter of time before Josh decided to start a band of his own.
All of these sounds are reflected to a degree in Roselit Bone. A group that can maintain a minimalist arrangement and effortlessly build up towards a huge crescendo. They project the kind of sounds that would fit in nicely behind a mexican stand off scene in a movie. The sonic dressings are complimented well by how the band dresses for performances.
Joshua and company rock attire from a bygone era. Often giving off a Hank Williams vibe and sometimes looking like a rockabilly band. Roselit Bone have fun with an aesthetic that’s rooted in the past but Joshua maintains a mentality in the present that’s aimed towards the future. Things are clicking on all levels for the band and Roselit Bone sound like they’re in peak form on this new album.
Blister Steel is out now, I loved it, and other music reviewers seem to be digging it too. Joshua handles all arrangements for the group and even helmed some of the production on the album. Joshua has a vision that often guides him to putting the onus on himself. So he can actualize that vision and flesh it out fully. This does not mean he is averse to collaborating and in fact loves welcoming in other creative voices.
Joshua does realize though that you need to do and know as much as possible in the modern age. Joshua directs videos (Roselit Bone’s video for “Dreamless Sleep”), records/ reworks arrangements in his basement, and seems to keep finding new roles to optimize all Roselit Bone efforts. It’s simply not enough nowadays to just be a great vocalist who plays guitar.
Joshua’s guitar of choice is a gorgeous Gretsch and his rig gives off a huge blues vibe. Joshua described his set up as super low key. He just likes to plug the guitar in straight to the amp and get to it. This is very much reminiscent of a lot of blues music to me. The only sonic elements to go off of are the warmth the amp speakers project and the expressiveness of the player’s hands. Roselit Bone fans have so far seemed to be quite receptive to this approach. Joshua and the band are always looking for additional fans though.
Joshua told me of the time the band drove for 36 hours straight to play SXSW. It was gruelling but the moment of performing to new observers and getting big exposure made it all worth it. These moments are especially sweet considering past Roselit Bone gigs. Some shows have involved playing to a couple people from the back of a truck, jamming to five people at some no name bar in middle America, etc. There are highs and lows with performing live but Joshua takes it all in stride. Either way, Roselit Bone eagerly hops into their tour vehicle (a repurposed school bus) and heads to each new gig with vigour.
Joshua told me that pineapple pizza and pussy hats are among the off limits topics on the bus. Love for music however is often discussed as each band member are still bright eyed music fans. The group’s love for vinyl and various physical forms of music is shown in how they distribute the recordings of Roselit Bone. Visiting the grave of Buddy Holly was a highlight for Joshua in his road travels. In fact, Joshua was en-route to a gig when I was speaking to him over the phone. Roselit Bone is creating great music and is keeping up a fervent pace so would-be fans can’t possibly ignore it.
Check out Blister Steel, support Roselit Bone on all of their social media, and mail me a Thank You letter for turning you onto your new favorite band.