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Jesse Ahern, the everyman troubadour with an anchor tattoo under his eye and a six-string slung across his chest, is back with a bold new offering. Mark your calendars—January 17, 2025, sees the release of ‘Mercy’, a full-length record destined to shake the rafters and stir the soul.
Ahern’s reputation precedes him, built on years of relentless touring with heavyweights like Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, Chuck Ragan, and Frank Turner. Whether opening for punk royalty or Americana legends, Ahern’s ability to turn a crowd into a chorus has made him a standout act. Now, with Mercy, he’s turning that magic into a full-band production.
The album, recorded at Rare Signals in Cambridge, Massachusetts, reunites Ahern with longtime producer Brian Charles, whose touch brings a rich sonic depth to Ahern’s raw, heartfelt songwriting. While his previous release, Roots Rock Rebel, leaned into stripped-down folk, Mercy cranks up the volume without losing an ounce of Ahern’s emotional weight or storytelling charm.
Opening with Someday, a defiant and soulful anthem, the record sets a tone that’s both introspective and expansive. Tracks like The World showcase Ahern’s poetic lyricism, while standout single Sunshine has already caught the ears of critics. Madelyn Dawson of Spin magazine calls it “a rocker: roaring out of the gates with a fast, punchy riff and billowing horns.” She praises Ahern’s “gravelly voice,” comparing it to The Boss himself, noting its ability to hold its own against the album’s richer arrangements.
But it’s not just about the rock. As Dawson observes, Sunshine carries an undercurrent of optimism, urging listeners to seek the light even in life’s darkest corners. Ahern’s powerful refrain, “Show me the light on my darkest days,” is a rallying cry for anyone searching for hope.
Mercy is more than an album; it’s a turning point—a confident leap into new territory for an artist who’s never been afraid to bare his soul. With tour dates expected to follow in 2025, Jesse Ahern fans should prepare for a banner year.
visit www.jesseahern.com to keep up on the on-goings of Jesse Ahern and tour dates. As always, folks, stay tuned and keep rocking—this is where the music is loud, and the stories hit home.
Written by: Ace Hartmann
Brian Charles Chuck Ragan Dropkick Murphys Frank Turner Jesse Ahern Mercy Punk Rock Rancid Roots Music Roots Rock Rebel Music
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