Springfield, Missouri’s Ha Ha Tonka is pretty intense.

Proof: Their new album Novel Sounds of the Nouveau South “represents a darker and more nuanced look at the violent and self-destructive tendencies of society at large- be it religious, secular, militaristic, or utopian. The themes of torture, mob violence, lynchings, disillusionment and sacrifice are present throughout the album, with special focus on a desire for reconciliation, both for the group and self.”

Whoa. Further proof: the band wants you to think about these major tropes while listening to the album:

How do we explain history and the shifts in cultural reality that will come to pass in our lifetimes, or have shaped the cultural environs into which we are born? Are we simply victim to forces beyond our control- economics, religion…etc? Or are we important players in (our) history? Are we powerful and autonomous actors in our own right, or simply complicit bystanders? Are we what moves history? How do we reconcile our own roles? Can an individual take responsibility for the actions of the mob?

Sounds a lot like my thesis seminar.

But, lets listen to some music now, k?

“Walking on the Devil’s Backbone”
This tune attempts to tie the fervor of Pentecostal spirit-possession with the tragic inability to ever reach the “promised land.” It is also meant to remind us that the so-called “will of God” is often delivered in brutal campaigns against those who do not acquiesce to it, “the holy ghost, brother it’s a weapon” On a side note, the Devil’s Backbone is a trail near where I grew up.
Walking on the Devil’s Backbone

“Close Every Valve to Your Bleeding Heart”
Feeling the loss of missed opportunities and stewing over it with a good friend…the two protagonists can also be viewed as metaphors for Crime & Punishment – if you want to add to your depression, read Dostoevsky. As Paul Tillich stated in his book Theology of Culture, “in Dostoevsky we find the description of the demonic subconscious in man.”

Close Every Valve To Your Bleeding Heart

“The Outpouring”
Centers on a daydream I had about the Topeka Outpouring of 1901…and a story my Dad told me about going to a revivalist meeting as a boy (just as a spectator). My narcissistic nature led me to place myself in the daydream story as a fly-on-the-wall. Trouble ensued.

The Outpouring

Ha Ha Tonka plays Wednesday June 17th with Via Audio / The Dig @ DC9