Michael Baker thought his musical days were behind him. However, after it found its way back into his life by singing his children to sleep, he soon began writing his own songs and doing things his way under the brand Head Fake, a trio of 80’s performers and producers who want to recapture New Wave with today’s tools and technology.
Fast forward to 2021; Baker has now released his solo project, Hasten Mercy. A retro indie sound where Baker focuses on whether or not a musician can redefine and refocus themselves after years of being known for something else. Such 80’s heavyweights influence his latest EP Hasten Mercy as The Smiths and Stone Roses, but still, maintain an original sound that is not only ear-catching but lyrically driven.
The three-track EP may be short, but filled an upbeat start with “Star You Are,” filled with synth piano and a happy beat you can’t help to dance to. Slowing the pace, “These Things” allows for slower vocals and belongingness of an Arctic Monkey’s album, more specifically AM. The last track of three is “I Break Everything,” a sad, melodic piano-based track filled with heartbreak and full of emotion.
Overall, this side project of Michael Baker is not something you’d hear on everyday pop radio, but it is something you would listen to on a regular basis and enjoy thoroughly.
Stream Hasten Mercy on Spotify, now.
Follow Baker’s main project Head Fake below:
Instagram // Facebook // YouTube
