Hometown: Springfield MO US

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. Bloodshot will release the band's debut, Buckle in the Bible Belt, in fall 2007.

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.

Check out the video for Ha Ha Tonka's "St. Nick on the Fourth in a Fervor":

"I'm struck with how the band successfully combines punk rock energy, heartland rock and gospel fervor." Songs: Illinois

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