Ha Ha TonkaNovel Sounds Of The Nouveau South
Bloodshot Records [2009]
Fire Note Says: Ha Ha Tonka release excellent sophomore album that should make you take notice!
Album Review:
Missouri group Ha Ha Tonka return with their sophomore record Novel Sounds Of The Nouveau South and it is an authentic slice of roots influenced indie rock that will keep you coming back for more. This is especially good, given that the record is based on the novel The Shepherd of the Hills (1907) , written by Harold Bell Wright, and tells the story of an old, mysterious man (The Shepherd) who leaves the city for a remote hills life. Through encounters with others, he gradually learns to find peace with losses he’s experienced and those yet to come. Weirdly enough that theme fits with the substance and style of Novel Sounds because the band can create slow burning rockers like "The Horse In Motion" to the solid harmonies and smoothness in "So Quiet, They're Loud", which create a give and take throughout the record that mirrors The Shepherd's struggles. Creative? Maybe - but ultimately it comes down to the music and Ha Ha Tonka have the right mix of southern tinged rock much like Kings Of Leon that sounds great, has many memorable tracks and plays back even better upon pushing repeat!
Key Tracks: “Walking On The Devil’s Backbone”, "The Outpouring", "So Quiet, They're Loud"
Bands With Similar Fire:
Kings Of Leon
Fleet Foxes
The Allman Brothers
Official Ha Ha Tonka Website
Ha Ha Tonka MySpace
Ha Ha Tonka Info [Allmusic]
Bloodshot Records
-Reviewed by Sam DaMatta
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