Kim Meeks released her EP, Forget Me Not, this summer. The southern singer combines rock, jazz, folk and alternative influences into her sound.
Kim Meeks is a Macon, Georgia based singer/songwriter. Her first EP, Forget Me Not, hit the market this summer. A four-track record, it features a combination of rock, folk, jazz and alternative sounds. Though Meeks is no stranger to the stage, this is her first endeavor into recording a full album. Listeners will be struck by her vocal capabilities. However, they may also be left with a sense that Meeks has not yet come into her own in the recording studio.
Forget Me Not dives right in with strong folk/rock instrumentation on “Inside.” Meeks’ voice quickly enters, engaging audiences. Containing an interesting ‘80s rock reverb layered over this fusion tune, there is clear heart on "Inside." However, it feels as though Meeks sings through a glass box. The vocals stop just shy of really grabbing listeners – like an intro, perhaps never fully coming to fruition.
Following “Inside” is “Everybody’s Pretty When They’re Young.” In a fascinating opening, it sounds as though an old record plays simple classical melodies while someone whispers over them. As the intro fades, the first few words of the song proper have an old-school jazz vibe. Meeks has the voice to carry off this style and yet quickly abandons it. The remainder of the tune feels slightly disconnected from an almost ghostly opening – as if there are two different songs on one track. It would be interesting to hear a version of the full song, which grows directly from the intro.
Solid Vocals from Kim Meeks
Possibly the catchiest song on the album, “Everybody’s Pretty When They’re Young” solidly showcases Meeks’ vocal capabilities. A classically structured pop-rock/jazz tune, her guitarist shines through in a musical break. Apart from that moment however, the song stays fairly even throughout. A mature track, “Everybody’s Pretty When They’re Young” will likely find appeal among many adult audiences.
Forget Me Not closes out with the title track. Taking the tone down a bit, it eases audiences in with a smoky voice from Kim Meeks. A standout song, “Forget me Not” has soul. As though Meeks did not have to try so hard to make this tune, it feels natural and heartfelt. Featuring variations that cause audiences to maintain interest throughout, each section of the band is clearly highlighted.
Listeners will likely enjoy Forget Me Not, but may be left with a sense that Kim Meeks is holding back from committing to her more bold inclinations. It seems clear that she has a unique bent to her style, but shies away from fully embracing it. As a predominantly live artist, perhaps this first venture into recording has been an experiment into what does and does not translate through a record. Audiences will certainly look forward to a follow-up album in the future as Meeks further develops her studio work.