On June 21, Joshua’s remastered debut EP, which was originally released in 1996 by Immigrant Sun Records, sees release for the first time ever on vinyl.

Nascent is an early retrospective of the band which also features previously unreleased tracks from their 1995 demo Today We Flew Our Balloons as well as two re-recorded songs from their debut album, A Whole New Theory, originally released by Doghouse Records in 1999.

Pre-order the vinyl here: https://merchnow.com/collections/joshua, or purchase the digital version on Bandcamp: https://immigrantsunrecords.bandcamp.com/album/nascent.

No other band succeeded in channeling several different, but complementary, music genres like Joshua did back in the day. Formed in the early ’90s, Joshua recorded a debut self-titled extended play for Immigrant Sun Records before inking a deal for another EP and LP (A Whole New Theory) with renowned Doghouse Records, which garnered them wider exposure to a broader audience outside of the underground. Even without a big budget for promotion and before the internet, Joshua sold an impressive 5,000 plus copies, a number that’s still considered a success by any name.

Their blend of emo, indie, post-hardcore, and alternative rock resonated with the scene, thanks to their ability to craft honest, meaningful, powerful, and emotive songs decorated with impressive musicianship. From sincere vocal delivery and dissonant guitars that pieced together cleverly assembled themes, melodies, harmonies, and riffs to a rock-solid rhythm section powered by equally complex and profoundly dynamic drumming, Joshua has a distinctive sound that could convince even the pickiest listeners to spin their records over again. After their Doghouse Records debut, the band released The Teardrop Trio EP, Singing To Your Subconscious, The Baggage 10, then took almost a decade-long break before releasing Choices and a split single release with Nightmares For A Week. 

All these recordings inspired many musicians back in the day to pick up their instruments, start a band, and proudly carry the torch on the path that Joshua helped pave. There is no doubt that they left an indelible mark on the DIY scene, and their music still resonates with fans across the globe today. Nascent is one of those records that evokes nostalgia and the longing for reunion shows. It showcases their importance as a band who helped bring attention to the nineties emo scene with their innovative, out-of-the-box ideas and musicianship, and soul-baring lyrical subject matter.

Standout tracks like “Lovers Quarrel,” “Forever,” and “Kickstand” showcase their distinctive sound that inspired many bands in the early 2000s. Their demo recordings also sound superb. Songs like “Judge” and “Stain” demonstrate some post-hardcore maneuvers that seem out of character, but not at all forced or contrived. You should grab this piece of history immediately.

Follow Joshua here: joshuahvny | Instagram| Facebook | Linktree

Catch Joshua (acoustic) with J. Robbins at Twin Elephant Brewing Company, Chatham, NJ, on June 1. Get tickets here: J Robbins (Jawbox & Burning Airlines) Tickets – Twin Elephant Brewing Company

Photo by Trestle_Farm