Missouri-based indie rockers Ha Ha Tonka are out with their fourth studio album, Lessons. The follow-up to 2011’s Death of a Decade marks a sonic shift away from the band’s traditionally stripped-down sound to a more immersive listening experience with lush instrumentation, strong melodies and stunning four-part harmonies. Ha Ha Tonka consistently tackles big ideas and their latest takes its inspiration from the creativity of children’s book author/illustrator Maurice Sendak while exploring the theme of lessons over a collection of 14 tracks. Standouts include: opener “Dead to the World”; the title track; the dazzling “Arabella”; and the mellow “Prove the World Wrong.” All of Ha Ha Tonka’s previous albums are stellar and Lessons is no exception. – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Deadstring Brothers, The Dexateens, Lucero, Oakley Hall, Southeast Engine, These United States