Springfield, Missouri quintet Ha-Ha-Tonka’s latest release Heart Shaped Mountain (out via Bloodshot Records) is their self-declared “love album” — another top-notch effort. Although the line-up has changed with the addition of Mike Reilly (ex-Hoots and Hellmouth drummer) and multi-instrumentalist James Cleare (Spring Standards), it hasn’t changed the sound. Heart Shaped Mountain continues the band’s soaring vistas and folk-rock jangle alongside carefully crafted harmonies, highly literate songwriting and polished arrangements. Album highlights include: the driving opener “Race to the Bottom”; the revealing “Height of My Fears”; the chronicle of a relationship in “Everything”; and the carefree ramble of “Favor,” to name a few. The whole album is superb from start to finish, sure to thrill longtime fans and garner new ones alike. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Deer Tick, Delta Spirit, Dr. Dog, The Heartless Bastards, Langhorne Slim