Ha Ha Tonka

Album Title: Death of a Decade
Record Label: Bloodshot Records
Review by Sal Serio
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Ha Ha Tonka - Death of a Decade

If there’s one thing I can say about Ha Ha Tonka, it’s that I sure hope they don’t pay rent! ‘Cause those guys are on the road CONSTANTLY. You know what they say, practice makes perfect… and there’s no better practice than touring. I’m surprised their new CD isn’t called “Road Kill”.

Admittedly, I was a little worried when I DID see the title and cover of the new CD, which gave me a feeling that they were following the thematic, almost ‘concept album’ structure of 2009’s “Novel Sounds Of The Nouveau South”. Which isn’t to say that last offering was sub-par, but I’m a rocker, dig? I need the rock. And the double-H Tonka guys are back with some pedal to the metal.

Not that this is a record to mosh to (but you know there will be that one idiot at EVERY show), but it’s a driving, pulsating, emotion-churning, and inspirational set of songs. Brett Anderson wins the victory shot this time around for exceptional lead guitar and mandolin. “Death Of A Decade”, eh? I wonder which decade - future, present, or past? I’ll have to ask those duders the next time through town. Of course I won’t be waiting long!

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