Roaring out of the Ozarks with a bottle in one hand and a bible in the other, Ha Ha Tonka mix sanctified four-part harmonies and blistering rock, carving out songs that evoke the dichotomies that define their home. Their dark view of the realities of socio-economic hardship, backwoods prejudices and drug abuse is leavened by wry humor and a
deep appreciation for regional storytelling traditions. Coming straight out of Springfield, MO., Ha Ha Tonka specialize in disarming and effortless anthems that owe as much to high and lonesome Ozarks mountain music as chugging college rock.
Ha Ha Tonka? What the hell could that name possibly mean? It’s a nod to the boys’ Ozark pride. It’s the name of a state park in southwestern Missouri, full of natural bridges, sandstone cliffs, caves and a castle. That’s right, a castle. Some crackpot rich guy built himself a Scottish style castle around 1900. It burned down, but the ruins are still an attraction. Thus, Ha Ha Tonka want you all to know there is more to their home stomping grounds than Branson, walnut bowl outlet stores and Jesse James’ hideout.
The band released its Bloodshot debut, Buckle in the Bible Belt, to much acclaim in 2007, gaining praise from glossies like PASTE and Spin, and taste-making radio stations like KEXP. At years end, Popmatters Magazine named Buckle in the Bible Belt one of the best albums of 2007 (In fact, Buckle was ranked #15 for the year, pulling
ahead of those lauded indie rockers, Spoon. Ha Ha Tonka was also a featured performer at the 2008 Lollapalooza and Sundance Film festivals, and toured the US with Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, The Meat Puppets and Old 97’s.