From the junebug-like humming guitars that open the record on "Pendergast Machine," to the tent-revival spiritual a capellas complementing several tracks, this record is a product of whence it came. From religion (The Holy Ghost, Brother. It's a weapon. I'm walking on the Devil's backbone" on the eponymously named "Walking on the Devil's Backbone,") to retribution ("We know that history will be the harshest judge and we are all condemned," on "What Shepherds of These Hills"), Ha Ha Tonka tackle bleak material with a sense of lightness and perseverance and a lyrical sensibility that's sharp as a tack.

Track Listing
Pendergast Machine
Hold My Feet to the Fire
The Outpouring
What Shepherds of These Hills?
The Horse in Motion
Walking on the Devil's Backbone
Close Every Valve to Your Bleeding Heart Word Climbing
Giant Strides
A Siege of Sorts
Surrounded
So Quiet, They're Loud
Thoreau in the Woods