Recommended Tracks: “what happy is,” “only, if only,” “medicine”
Artists you might like: Real Friends, Movements, Moose Blood
Have Mercy are at their most vulnerable and honest with the release of their sixth studio album, the loneliest place i’ve ever been. The record blends the Baltimore natives’ signature alt-rock grit with a renewed sense of clarity and sonic expression. Each track dives further into the reality of healing from past mistakes and burdens, while emphasizing the importance of finding yourself amidst the chaos.
The record opens with “only, if only,” a dynamic track that introduces the theme of combating loneliness and memories of the past. The song’s steady production showcases Have Mercy in full creative swing with heavy-hitting guitar riffs and pounding drums. It then fades into the album’s lead single “august 17th,” which tackles grief and the ache of missing someone you love. This track explores the fragile reality of human connection and feels like a confession of words previously unsaid. The band conveys their raw power with the intense melody and cathartic vocal tone on “august 17th” in a way that captures the album’s emotional gravity. Frontman Brian Swindle shares,
“We’ve been waiting so long to show our fans what we’ve been working on. This feels like a new journey has started for our band. There’s no better way to kick start this album than releasing a song like ‘august 17.’ It is an incredibly personal song that carries a lot of weight. It’s about loss and the continuing pain felt after someone is gone. It may hurt less over time but it never stops hurting.”
“little pieces” is a thrilling testament to self-growth and resilience. Have Mercy deliver a beautifully honest account of becoming a better version of yourself despite dealing with loss and heartbreak. They then dive into a lighter, more optimistic sound with “in my veins.” It explores finding solace in someone’s company and allowing yourself to experience a connection that brings you happiness and hope with a catchy chorus and vibrant instrumental.
The band captures a somber mood with “old selfish me,” a soft track that bursts into a haunting story of wishing people from your past could see the new and improved version of yourself. Swindle softly sings, “I’m the person I always thought I could be,” showcasing this song as a strikingly raw ode to battling addiction and the light at the other end of the tunnel.
The album’s second single, “tv glows,” is the loneliest place i’ve ever been’s most compelling nod to childhood nostalgia and growing older. The band has previously shared that this track is one of their favorites on the record. Speaking further on “tv glows,” guitarist Andrew Johnson tells Melodic Magazine,
“It’s a throwback to the ‘90s. The music video describes the vibe of that song, basically just driving in your car, blasting a song and just doing the damn thing. I feel like that’s why we all kind of gravitated towards it.”
“this could be gold” is an excellent representation of Have Mercy’s signature sound and depth. The track reflects a “what if” mentality with an electric instrumental backing its promising lyrics. The next track, “faking a crush,” steers in a different, more independent direction. The band explores the tough act of letting go and choosing yourself as Swindle declares, “I’ve gotta be by myself.”
“This is the loneliest place that I’ve ever been / But it’s the only place that I’ll ever learn to love again,” Swindle sings as he opens up about the complexities of chasing happiness and fulfillment on the penultimate “what happy is.” This melancholic track serves as a reminder that the path is not linear and it’s normal to feel confused, anxious, and angry during the process. The raw emotions of “what happy is” make it a clear stand-out that encompasses the album’s overall theme in a heartfelt, honest manner.
Have Mercy brings the loneliest place i’ve ever been to a close with one last cathartic release on “medicine.” The final track is a hopeful celebration of healing, internal trust, and growth. The instrumental on “medicine” gives it a cinematic feel, almost like it belongs in the credits of a coming-of-age film. The album ends on an extraordinarily high note, with Swindle bringing the album full circle as he exclaims, “I want to learn to love again.”
If there’s one thing that the new Have Mercy record achieves, it’s the notion that the loneliest place you’ve ever been in your life does not have to define you. In fact, it’s only one small part of realizing that you’re not stuck in the dark forever and there’s more to you as a person than just your struggles. Have Mercy deliver an enchantingly cathartic narrative of learning to let go of the past and the beauty of moving on with this new record.
Have Mercy will be playing a special hometown album release show in Baltimore, MD, on September 7th. The band will then join Boys Night Out as support for their Trainwreck 20th Anniversary Tour soon after. Tickets and information for Have Mercy’s upcoming shows can be found here.
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