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Review: "Make the Best of It" by Have Mercy

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Have Mercy does it again. Sensitivity, sentimentality, the brittleness of human emotions. All personified and demystified in their "Make the Best of It" album. Even the album cover reveals a sense of intimacy and quiet time. It is no surprise that they decided to release the new album on 4/20. Is the guy on the cover pressing a cigarette or a joint to his lips? Perhaps a state of cynical stonage was required to write this album.

Since the release of their last two albums The Earth Pushed Back and A Place of Our Own, lead singer Brian Swindle writes us lyrics that destroy our feelings. Songs that doubt of god and faith, mourn lost lovers and friends--continuously explored as Have Mercy continues to write new songs. "Coexist" and "Good Christian Man" are two essentials from Make the Best of It. 

These guys are classified as pop-punk or emo, but none of their songs embody the upbeat, overly distorted guitar tones found in Blink-182 or Neck Deep. They classify themselves as "beer rock," which, I do believe fits them best. You can't just drink and weep to Blink-182 in a bar. But you can to Have Mercy.

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