The Joshua Incident performs original songs in an alt-country vein bound to the rich traditions of country, folk, and cosmic American music. Pedal steel/dobro guitarist Dan Beller-McKenna, upright bassist John “Hal” Halstead, singer Lindsay O’Neill and singer/guitarist/songwriter Todd Thurlow share a passion for American roots music. Originally meeting for a one-off Gram Parsons/Emmylou Harris jam; tight harmonies meshed seamlessly with a lean but lyrical acoustic backdrop, and The Joshua Incident was born.
O’Neill blends her fine soprano harmonies with Thurlow’s understated vocals to form a core of tight duet singing. Behind them, Beller-McKenna’s expressive dobro/steel and Halstead’s subtle upright bass complement Thurlow’s haunting, richly melodic songs. Well-schooled in bluegrass, rock, and alt country, Thurlow grew up in rural northern Penobscot County, Maine; a timeless place where 50’s country is still played live in Grange halls and on country fairgrounds. He writes of back roads, dusty barns, loss and hope. The Joshua Incident delivers up-tempo, word-playing honky tonk, too. Think Ryan Adams fused with Gillian Welch, mixed with some of Townes Van Zandt’s darkness and Parsons’ yearning and lightened by Haggard’s barroom confessions. The band offers unique sound and spirit born from this rare mix of steel, guitar, bass, and vocals.