Review: Have Mercy & Somos - Split (EP)

Have Mercy and Somos are two of the fastest rising bands in the underground scene today. Each is bringing about a new sound that differs from the norm, and they continue their individual progressions with the release of their new split EP.
Starting off the split are two tracks from Have Mercy: “Two Years” and “Somebody’s Baby”. “Two Years” is a track of honest beauty, as originally heard on the band’s last release, A Place of Our Own. Tearing it down to the bear acoustics, Have Mercy allow the track to shine with a rawness that hits listeners deep. It’s followed by the band’s cover of Jackson Browne’s “Somebody’s Baby”, which shows the EP back to full-band status in their attempt to make the cover all their own, which they do quite easily.
Closing out the short release is Somos. “Streets Upon Streets” is probably the split’s best showing, showcasing intricate guitar work and superb melodies, especially during the bridge. Lyrically, the track is well-versed, featuring lines like “It’s a fine line between adoration and dispossession”. It’s followed by the acoustic closer “Domestic”, which, while not conveying the same energy, features solid harmonies that elevate it in a way only Somos can.
Overall, this split EP is one of the better ones. Normally, splits can be hit-or-miss, with bands sometimes not meshing well enough to make a cohesive release. Have Mercy and Somos are able to do this and in doing so have created one of the best EPs of 2015 thus far. Definitely a must-listen for fans of both bands and those of you looking for something a little different.
Download: Streets Upon Streets
4/5
