Death of a Decade
Bloodshot
Named after a Missouri state park, these indie rockers are poised to start flying above the radar with their third release (fourth if one under their original name of Amsterband is counted).
The “Alabama meets Arcade Fire” self-description sums it up, as Ha Ha Tonka’s sound is a rare blend of Southern and modern rock. A noticeable amount of mandolin is tempered by a copious quanity of electric guitar (usually within the same song), keeping things from falling into Yonder Mountain String Band territory.
Two other factors contribute to “Death’s” trad-mod feel: producer Kevin McMahon’s New Paltz, N.Y., barn studio and the subtle manipulation of sound by mixmeister The Ryantist, the latter found mostly in the album’s profusion of multitracked guitar hooks.
Add the quartet’s trademark hammer-down rhythm section and frequent use of four-part harmony, as well as newly accessible yet still Ozarkian lyrics, and HHT is now a force to be reckoned with.
Tracks
1. Usual Suspects
2. Westward Bound
3. Made Example Of
4. Jesusita
5. Lonely Fortunes
6. Hide It Well
7. Dead Man’s Hand
8. Problem Solver
9. Death Of A Decade
10. No Great Harm
11. The Humorist
Total time: 40:36
External links
artist’s website
amazon.com
iTunes Store
