'Hasten Mercy' is the newest project from Head Fake member Michael Baker. This understated three-track EP keeps the instrumentation to a minimum, but is jammed packed full of creativity and jarring themes.
Opening track 'Star You Are' has a quirky fast paced beat but more of a mid tempo vocal delivery. The slight distortion on those vocals, along with the almost moody way Michael sings, gives a fabulous retro feel to the song, akin to Duran Duran in the 80s. All the while, the constant foot-tapping beat interspersed with synth sounds adds this modern vibe that makes this a really intriguing... Read More 'Hasten Mercy' is the newest project from Head Fake member Michael Baker. This understated three-track EP keeps the instrumentation to a minimum, but is jammed packed full of creativity and jarring themes.
Opening track 'Star You Are' has a quirky fast paced beat but more of a mid tempo vocal delivery. The slight distortion on those vocals, along with the almost moody way Michael sings, gives a fabulous retro feel to the song, akin to Duran Duran in the 80s. All the while, the constant foot-tapping beat interspersed with synth sounds adds this modern vibe that makes this a really intriguing and enjoyable track.
Next up is 'These Things' which has a dramatic electro-style beat to it with echoey vocals. The way the lyrical speed varies from slow to fast paced is really clever, and the simple keyboard notes echoing in the background are deliciously haunting. With its gentle and hushed style, 'I Break Everything' feels emotional and full of anguish as the words cry out "so I'm leaving because I love you". Musically, it's beautiful, and vocally it's superbly delivered yet again.
In just three short tracks ‘Hasten Mercy’ packs in a ton of emotion and some fascinating beats and synths. If you’re a fan of indie-rock from the 80s or 90s, this will be right up your street. Michael knows how to get the most out of his talents, and this EP shows that his simmering and mysterious vibe is captivating to listen to, with a strong focus on his masterful vocals.
