Ha Ha Tonka first caught my attention back in mid 2008 when I saw them share the stage with Jack’s Mannequin.  I often find it hard to have high expectations for opening acts, but I have to admit, I was blown away.  The great thing is that these guys represent Missouri.  Why is that so great?  Well, for me it means they have a shot a replacing band-aid wearing Nelly as the musical ambassador of MO.

Lennon Bone, Brett Anderson, Brian Roberts and Luke Long are representin’ the Ozarks!  Ok, let’s put geographical representation aside and just focus on the music.  Their music is an energetic blend of four-part harmonies and aggressive instrumentation.  Ha Ha Tonka embodies hard hitting rock of the southern variety.  Do not listen to their music in an environment that requires you to sit still.  If you enter a staring contest make sure Novel Sounds of the Nouvea South is not playing in the background, because you will lose.  I guess what I am getting at is that the music of Ha Ha Tonka will get you up and moving.

Their second album, Novel Sounds of the Nouvea South, was just released this past summer.  The album has been collecting the same critical acclaim that their first release, Buckle in the Bible Belt, received.  I can’t get enough of “Hold My Feet to the Fire”, “Close Every Valve to Your Bleeding Heart”, “Walking on the Devil’s Backbone” and “The Horse in Motion”.

It appears that 2010 is going to be a big year for Ha Ha Tonka.  A recently announced slot at South by Southwest (SXSW) and more main stream exposure will ensure that a band named after a Missouri state park makes it into your playlist.

Ha Ha Tonka’s performance of “Walking on the Devil’s Backbone” in Chicago’s Q101 studio.

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We have a feeling you will enjoy the music of The Avett Brothers.