Head Fake band member Michael Baker released a 3-song “moody, insightful electronic pop” EP, Hasten Mercy. The EP kicks off with a promising upbeat and inspiring track “Star You Are” which could make anyone bop their head to it’s electronic sounds. “This is the moment of your life/The consequence of your sacrifices/This is the day that you were right/The day you’ll no longer pay the price to be the star you know you are,” sings Baker. Although that seems to be where the uplifting vibes end. The second track, “These Things” is sweet and melancholic, and much slower than the first track. “I’m sorry that I didn’t call sooner, that I waited so long/I wasn’t sure that you wanted me too,” he sings. “I’m sorry if I let you down as you waited around/Sometimes I’m shy about these things.”
If the 3-song EP is a story, the relationship seems to take the worst turn with the final song “I Break Everything” as Baker sings about ending things.
“I’m going to go where the sun has yet to rise/I’m going to leave you. before you open up your eyes,” he sings over melancholic piano chords. “I break everything and I hurt everyone and I stain everything I hold on to, so I’m leaving because I love you.” As it is with many EPs, the shortest song is the best. This track comes in right under 3 minutes but has the best mix of emotion, lyrics, and music.
Listen to the EP below.