A rollicking set of full bottomed chords greet our ears as ‘Meeks’ and The Lost Souls throw themselves into “What Is Lost Can Be Found.” Taking hold beneath are the measured bass lines of Lost Soul, Julien Chick as Meeking’s vocals soar from within. A fine first stride off the line that’s braced by the sweet mandolin
“Ride On” swaggers through a crunching burst before Dave Kleynan’s drums breathe a steady beat, giving rise to Meeking’s tempting words of reason. Memphis sounds of old aren’t to be abused and the descent into a rumbling gloom drags you in only to be blown apart by the note shaking solo.
The layered guitars of Meeking and Chris Gates talk loud and proud before every voice in the room is gathered for a rousing call to close. It leaves you pleasantly worn out…
Hidden in the middle is the duet, “Gentle” with Kylie Auldist’s warm, brooding voice sharing the billing with Meeking. The venerable Hammond of Mr. Steve Hesketh (whose session credits includes Jet, You Am I and The Drones among countless others) is allowed to quietly drench the sharp notes throughout the full set bar one. Wise hands make fine work just as many make light.
Finding their groove within the mess of upstart pretenders and graceless rock pigs has been a task.
Well worn Fender fretboards tell a tale just as strong as Meeking’s wistful, often pained lyrics that far outweigh the self congratulatory prancers and dancers competing for stage lit attention.
Here, after their wills were tested, graft has been rewarded. Michael Meeking & The Lost Souls have presented a powerful entry to the realm of country-pop crossings that shall indeed hold strong.
-Ciarán Wilcox
