Springfield, Missouri was in the house last night at the Hi-Dive with Ha Ha Tonka and Someone Still Loves You Boris Yelstin. Bloodshot’s Ha Ha Tonka are evolving into a more polished act leaving the rough edges behind on their latest album, “Death of a Decade.” But not entirely. The quartet’s performance proved to be a raucous occasion with plenty of hand slapping and shit kicking. The infectious grins and serious guitar licks in a set that experienced no lulls. My only qualm, more of a suggestion is maybe they guys could explore the electric mandolin a little more. In fact, they need to run with it all together. I believe it was “Lonely Fortunes” or the title track off of the new album, but my first live experience with the proud sons of Missouri made me want to kick myself for not catching them sooner. Catching “Made Example of” was worth the trip alone. I had the pleasure of interviewing them (check it here) years ago when my friend Todd Roeth did a photo shoot that captured the guys brilliantly. Last night marked the first night of the supporting role opening up for SSLYBY and soon with Tea Leaf Green. If you missed them here in Denver, don’t fret. They’ll be playing Colorado five times next month.
Ha Ha Tonka-Usual Suspects [mp3]
Tour Dates
Ha Ha Tonka 12.01.11 UT Salt Lake City
Urban Lounge
with Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
Ha Ha Tonka 12.02.11 ID Boise
Neurolux
with Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
Ha Ha Tonka 12.03.11 WA Seattle
Tractor Tavern
with Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
Ha Ha Tonka 12.05.11 BC Vancouver
Biltmore Cabaret
with Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
Ha Ha Tonka 12.06.11 OR Portland
Mississippi Studios
with Someone Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
Ha Ha Tonka 12.08.11 CA San Francisco
Hotel Utah Saloon
with Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
Ha Ha Tonka 12.09.11 CA Los Angeles
Bootleg Bar
with Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
Ha Ha Tonka 12.10.11 CA San Diego
Soda Bar
with Someone Still Loves You, Boris Yeltsin
Ha Ha Tonka 01.11.12 CO Breckenridge
three20south
with Tea Leaf Green
Ha Ha Tonka 01.12.12 CO Aspen
Belly Up Aspen
with Tea Leaf Green
Ha Ha Tonka 01.13.12 CO Avon
Agave
with Tea Leaf Green
Ha Ha Tonka 01.14.12 CO Denver
Bluebird Theater
with Tea Leaf Green
Ha Ha Tonka 01.15.12 CO Fort Collins
Hodi’s Half Note
with Tea Leaf Green
Ha Ha Tonka 01.18.12 IA Iowa City
The Mill
with Tea Leaf Green
Ha Ha Tonka 01.19.12 WI Madison
High Noon Saloon
with Tea Leaf Green
Ha Ha Tonka 01.20.12 IL Chicago
Lincoln Hall
w/ Tea Leaf Green
Ha Ha Tonka 01.21.12 OH Cincinnati
20th Century Theater
w/Tea Leaf Green
