Ha Ha Tonka

Ha Ha Tonka

6/16/09
Hometown: Springfield, MO

With their debut “Buckle In The Bible Belt” Springfield, Missouri’s Ha Ha Tonka explored the dark side of their Ozarks home; economic hardship, racism, ignorance, and drug abuse are all tackled with dark humor and intelligence. The centerpiece of the Ha Ha Tonka sound is their generous four-part harmonies. The vocal parts pay homage to their region’s proud musical heritage. Those vocals are set off by inviting roots rock, funky keyboard runs, and sometimes snarling guitars.

With their second album, 2009’s “Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South, ” Ha Ha Tonka delved into broader southern gothic themes, experimented with Tom Waits style “found sounds” and pulled back on the harmonizing just a bit. The result was no less compelling.