The loneliest place I've ever been feels like a burst of therapeutic sunshine for the emotionally scarred. For a band that bleeds painful and addictive melodies, there is a feeling of being made whole that has been building over the past few releases. 10 songs and 34 minutes later, there is an inescapable message…the journey towards self actualization has ended in splendid isolation.

Have Mercy has leaned into what makes them great. Pain wrapped in optimistic sound. While the topics of heartbreak, death, and insecurity aren’t new for this affected group, there is an oxymoronic obvious, yet subtle freshness in this release that is immediately cup filling. The opening track only if, only demands that you smile at perceived failure. “You’re crawling back to me” is the type of hook that brightens everything around it. The production is perfectly enormous and the surprising appearance of a tiny xylophone will make you feel ticklish.

For a band that historically front loads their catchiest tracks, this record just keeps going. It’s obvious why August 17 and TV glows were chosen as the first two singles prior to the release. These songs instantly attach to the listener and can be played on repeat without diminished enjoyment. They remind you why this genre can be inescapable to those that crave the salty with the sweet. Comparing them to Jimmy Eat World is both on point and unfair as there is a distinct uniqueness to Have Mercy that is exemplified in the droplets that preceded the cleansing storm of the album release.

But like any great album drop, they saved the best for the main course. “Little pieces” is the centerpiece of this album. “You fucked me up, you broke me down into the little pieces I've just found” are the most beautiful last words to a muse that never deserved as much as a single letter. It feels like a promise to himself that he will finally stop hurting and wasting energy on the unobtainable. It’s cathartic, honest, and a necessary punctuation mark that allows him to finally be present. As a long time fan of this band, I finally have closure from a toxic relationship that they made me feel part of for many many years.

The irony of “old selfish me” is haunting in the best of ways. Self awareness and selflessness emanate from this necessary slow ballad that explodes at the perfect moment, mid-plea for companionship in the dark. The back end of the record is a simple demonstration that Brian has never felt more comfortable in his own skin. The front man of this special band can feel his growth and depth in everything he touches these days. The courageous addition of the piano on multiple tracks and the obvious leveling up in the production of these 10 tracks (for a band that never struggled with the finishing touches) evokes an image of a circle finally finished after being drawn for decades.

I dare you to find a weak spot on the loneliest place I've ever been. It is the perfect end of summer release and leaves you wanting more. This album is a gift to the emo kid that never wanted to grow up and all I can say is thank you. - Eric Ottenheimer, ReleaseWave.com Contributor

Maryland alt-rock/emo band Have Mercy have announced their sixth studio record, "the loneliest place i've ever been" on August 29, 2025 via Rude Records. Along with today's announcement, the band have released the emotionally raw lead single "august 17" now available on all streaming platforms, along with an official video. The song delves into themes of memory, loss, and regret, full of big guitar sounds and a huge anthemic chorus, which is sure to resonate with fans of emotionally charged alt-rock like The Dangerous Summer, Jimmy Eat World and the like. Produced by Brian Swindle and mixed by Paul Leavitt, the album promises a cathartic journey across 10 brand new tracks, driven by their signature blend of vulnerability and intense melodies. Check out the official press release below along with the new single and pre-order link.

Today, the Maryland rock band Have Mercy released their highly anticipated sixth studio record the loneliest place i’ve ever been via Rude Records. With the release, they dropped an intimate music video for the focus track “little pieces” which takes fans on a journey of life on the road with the band. Stream the video below.

“’little pieces’ is was one of the first tracks that we wrote for the record. It’s a poetic modern rock anthem that centers around a time in my life where I needed to put myself back together. The song is about hope for the future while simultaneously yearning for the past,” shares Brian Swindle, lead singer of Have Mercy.

Driven by their signature blend of vulnerability and intense melodies, this new record is for fans of emotionally charged alt-rock and timeless songwriting. It’s a collection of songs to play when the night feels too quiet. When speaking about the new record, Swindle adds, “This is the album we’ve always wanted to create. Musically, we’ve borrowed all of the best parts from our previous records and created something new. Lyrically, it’s some of the deepest and real words that I’ve ever written down. I can’t thank the fans enough for giving this one a listen. This record is everything.”

The album was produced by Swindle mixed by Paul Leavitt, and mastered by Nick Townsend. Creative direction and album art were handled by Benjamin Lieber (member of bands like Head North and Marigold), who has recently worked with bands such as Mayday Parade and Four Year Strong. The album spans ten deeply personal tracks that are sure to please fans of The Dangerous Summer, Jimmy Eat World, Can't Swim, Real Friends and the like.