Mercy Land channels rage into something wicked on ‘All Forms of Violence’

There’s a very specific kind of frustration that comes from seeing clearly — knowing exactly what’s wrong, who’s responsible, and having absolutely zero power to do anything about it. That’s the headspace Mercy Land is living in on their new single All Forms of Violence, out now via Feature Bug Studios, and honestly? It hits uncomfortably close to home right now.

The NOLA-bred, LA-based duo — singer Laura Jinn and producer tantrum — has cooked up something that meshes darkwave and hyperpop into a portrait of fascist devolution that’s as prescient as it is unsettling. Jinn plays the “credible seer” descended from on high, omniscient and absolutely powerless — stuck on the outside watching the powers-that-be do their thing while her anger quietly (then not so quietly) boils over. Oh, and she wants you to know she wouldn’t shoot the president. Noted. Very reassuring, Laura.

Sonically, this thing is a beast. Gnashing drums, aggressive guitars, and gothic EBM bass plucks carry that particular cocktail of distress and helplessness — and the violent impulses that come with it — that a lot of us have been feeling lately. It’s wormy, aggro, scary, funny, fresh, and raw all at once, which is a pretty wild tightrope to walk.

The mix comes courtesy of Davey Badiuk (Sofi Tukker, Kiesza, Dragonette) and mastering from Shawn Hatfield (Kimbra, Halle Abadi, TOKiMONSTER), so the production pedigree is serious. The song lands right in the sweet spot for fans of Gesaffelstein, yeule, Fontaines D.C., Banshee, Ninajirachi, Sextile, Pixel Grip, and 100 gecs.

There’s also a music video — Jinn and tantrum vlogging a date, cautiously enjoying themselves until things go just a little bit sideways. Because of course they do.