If you haven’t heard of Missouri roots rock band Ha Ha Tonka yet, I’d recommend getting to know them tomorrow (Sat.) night when they open for the resurgent Meat Puppets at Blueberry Hill.

The three-year-old band, which released their fantastic debut album, “Buckle in the Bible Belt,” in September, plays confident southern roots rock along the lines of Kings of Leon. The Springfield, Mo.-based group hails from the Ozarks.

While this is a band that knows how to bring it, their songs usually include quiet moments of reflection. Occasional acoustic guitar parts lend an organic feel to their sound.

Two and three-part gospel harmonies, like those found on “You Lit Up the Night” and “St. Nick On The Fourth in a Fervor” would likely go over well onstage or around a campfire. The rootsy “Caney Mountain” stands out on the record, with great vocal timing by Roberts in front of screamin’ electric guitars and lusty percussion. Drummer Lennon Bone could probably bang on a metal trash can and this one would still sound good. One tune, “Hangman,” is a capella.

Brian Roberts, lead vocalist & guitarist, possesses a powerful, southern-tinged singing voice. He told me that gospel music was ever present during his childhood.

 â€œWe were raised in a fundamentalist church and gospel was the main type of music I grew up on,” said Roberts. “I still really like that music - not to say that I didn’t also listen to REM, Nirvana, etc.”

Lyrically, you’ll hear stories about living in the Ozarks and references to regional spots like Merrimac Springs.

“It’s almost more subconscious than conscious,” said Roberts of the gospel elements and regional themes. “We’re just writing about what we know.”

Three of the four guys grew up in West Plains, Missouri, an Ozark town southeast of Springfield near the Arkansas border. Country music singer Porter Wagoner, who died less than a week ago, is also from West Plains.

“It was weird, we played a show in our hometown and Wagoner’s name came up several times during the show,” said Roberts, adding that he found out about Wagoner’s death the very next day. “Everybody in West Plains knows of him. He’s probably the biggest export West Plains ever produced, either Wagoner or Preacher Row the baseball player.”

When asked about the band’s name, Roberts said the best aspect of it is being able to plug the state park when people ask what their name means.

“It’s such a beautiful, impressive place,” Roberts said of the park, known for its caverns, springs, sinkholes and grasslands. “The Scotsmen built a huge castle in 1906 set on the harsh topography. The bluffs make for a striking backdrop.”

The band posted a mixed drink recipe - the “Ha Ha Tonka” — on their MySpace page. It involves vodka, amaretto, sloe gin and peach SoCo (ouch!)

“We found that drink recipe somewhere on the web so we just decided to post it,” said Roberts, noting that he has yet to enjoy the cocktail.

“I’m sure our bass player has tried it though.”

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Ha Ha Tonka with the Meat Puppets

Saturday, November 3

Blueberry Hill, 6504 Delmar, 727-0880

Showtime 9pm, tickets $10

Links:

http://www.hahatonkamusic.com

http://www.myspace.com/hahatonka

http://www.meatpuppets.com/

http://www.myspace.com/themeatpuppets

Ha Ha Tonka state park: http://www.mostateparks.com/hahatonka.htm

The Ha Ha Tonka: http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink4203.html