(Bloodshot)

www.bloodshotrecords.com

Ha Ha Tonka, meet Kings of Leon. Kings of Leon, meet your competition. While the latter band's Southern-rock mix has helped them break big after years of meandering in obscurity, Ha Ha Tonka is banking on a similar musical sound and a healthy shot of charisma to mimic Kings of Leon's success. And with the follow-up to 2007's Buckle in the Belt, they may do it. Comprising 13 tracks that waver between the two- and three-minute mark, the album covers all the Southern bases - down-home rock, country and gospel - but shows its complexity with lyrical name-drops of Thoreau and Dostoyevsky. The best songs are the ones in which lead singer Brian Roberts gets really pained, wailing lyrics like "we are all condemned" ("What Shepherds of These Hills") and "only Dostoyevsky could kill off a pair like us" ("Close Every Valve of Your Bleeding Heart"). Followill kids, be prepared for Ha Ha Tonka's shot at your shtick.

Standout Tracks: "What Shepherds of These Hills," "Walking on the Devil's Backbone" ROXANA HADADI