After a whirlwind comeback and a widely acclaimed 2022 album, “NUMB“, Baltimore alt-rock stalwarts Have Mercy have unveiled their latest single, “Irrational Fears“. Following a three-year hiatus and a triumphant return to the music scene, this single captures a complex and raw portrait of inner turmoil – a hallmark of Have Mercy’s introspective, no-holds-barred approach to alternative rock.
Lead vocalist and songwriter Brian Swindle, in his characteristically unfiltered style, paints a vivid picture of the emotional chaos woven throughout “Irrational Fears”. Reflecting on the song’s inspiration, Swindle explained:
“I wrote the lyrics as if I was in the middle of a meltdown… Mentally running through different scenarios, regrets, things that don’t make sense in the world. It’s the overwhelming weight of depression and anxiety ripping your world apart.”
Swindle, who has been candid about his journey with mental health and sobriety, sees the song as an artistic exploration of the struggles that once engulfed him, even as he’s found stability in recent years.
A Legacy of Honest, Uncompromising Music
Have Mercy’s rise began in Baltimore basements in 2012, where Swindle and his bandmates tapped into a sound that has been described as raw, emotive, and relentlessly candid. Their 2013 debut, “The Earth Pushed Back“, quickly garnered a dedicated fan base, and each subsequent album built on that foundation of authenticity. The band’s discography includes four full-length albums and multiple EPs, each record a chapter in a journey marked by both personal and musical evolution. After a series of acclaimed albums, including “A Place of Their Own” (2014) and “Make the Best of It” (2017), the band took a break in 2019. But “NUMB” – recorded mostly in Swindle’s basement – marked their re-entry in 2022, bringing their sound back with maturity, depth, and an unwavering commitment to their musical roots.
In recent years, Have Mercy has also expanded their creative range and reach. After re-releasing “The Earth Pushed Back” on CD with Rude Records and unveiling a previously unreleased B-side “Seventeen“, they have shown they are equally dedicated to bringing their older material to new fans and to exploring uncharted creative territory. Their haunting cover of Smashing Pumpkins’ “1979“, released for the charity compilation “Changing Tides“, showcases their versatility while contributing to a cause that resonates with their audience.
Swindle, alongside Andrew Johnson and Nick Woolford, now moves into this new era with a band dynamic that reflects years of friendship and collaboration. As Swindle notes, “There’s a bond between us that’s undeniable”. This bond is evident in the rich sound of “Irrational Fears”, which channels the band’s characteristic intensity, blending it with elements of vulnerability and a complex, heavy tone that brings their new material to life.
For those who’ve been following Have Mercy’s journey or even for those who are just discovering them, “Irrational Fears” is a visceral reminder of what makes this band stand out. In a music landscape where alt-rock often blends into predictable tropes, Have Mercy’s authenticity and willingness to tackle the darker sides of life offer a welcome, if haunting, dose of reality.
For more on Have Mercy’s latest releases and updates, visit HaveMercyMusic.com
