Review
Guess who just crashed back into our playlists like a rock ‘n’ roll meteor? Yep, it’s none other than baltimore’s favorite alt-rock charmers – Have Mercy! Brace yourselves for the sonic feast that is their latest offering, NUMB, set to drop on December 8th via Rude Records.
Having reunited in 2022, Have Mercy made a splash with their self-titled EP, featuring ompelling singles like “Fast Car”, “SIO”, and “I’m Gonna Be Ok”. The Ep not only signaled their return but also paved the way for a CD re-pressing of their debut LP, The Earth Pushed Back, under the international label Rude Records. They also made a cover of Smashing Pumpkins “1979” for the charitable compilation Changing Tides, benefiting Sea Shepherd. These ventures underscored their commitment to evolving and giving back to the community.
Forget industry expectations; NUMB is a wild, unapologetic celebration of the band’s core essence. They weren’t aiming for Grammy gold; they just wanted to jam in their own basement and make tunes because… why not? The album is a mix of Brian’s newfound sobriety, the chaos of marriage and a generous sprinkle of relationship drama. Making this not just an album but a cheaper alternative for a therapy session.
The album opener and lead single “Alive” is an absolute banger that hits you in all the right places; it’s a shout-out to anyone stuck in those “I know I shouldn’t be here” relationships – toxic friendships, messy love affairs,… you name it. The lyrics are like the sticky notes on your friend’s fridge, reminding you to ditch the drama. And it has that classic Have Mercy sound with a sprinkle of something new.
The next track “Hey” features emo-pop spaces, bright guitars and “Middle” has a fun, infectious hook that’s bound to have you singing along, whether you’re in the shower or stuck in rush-hour traffic. The track is all about the cosmic limbo – that space between two worlds. It’s that feeling when you know what you want or need but find yourself waltzing back to the familiar and comfy because, well, it’s like that old pair of concert tees – too cozy to resist. The track “I Can’t Stay” and “Sick of it” are my personal favorite because of the tense tones and the overall darker feel. They add a touch of gravity and introspection to the album.
NUMB is a reminder that musical evolution is inevitable, and Have Mercy is unapologetically steering their ship into unexplored waters. It’s a must-listen for both longtime fans and those new to Have Mercy’s emotive and cathartic sound. It’s a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone navigating the complexities of life’s journey.