Foster Meeks - Bother Of It All (2024) Hi-Res

Levi Jakob Cadle performs as as the artist “Foster Meeks.” He became enamored with the blues and has now spent half his life in performing. His style embraces not only the blues but also folk and the sounds of the Mississippi Delta. Meeks approach is blues roots mixed with gospel, hill country, the Delta and psychedelic sounds. It’s quite unique, very raw, distorted and out there.

“Devil Come Knockin’” opens the album. A raw acoustic guitar and haunting vocals are offered up to get the feeling of the devil actually coming. It’s cool and interesting stuff. “Promise Bottle” follows and Meeks howls out the vocals as he plays with more of that raw, riffing style. Sounds of distorted thundering are layered behind the music to good effect. Next up is “I’m Her Man” which is not your typical love song. Meeks growls and moans as he remains forthright that he is his girl’s man. Interestingly cool with snare and percussion and electric guitar making things even grittier.

“Tired Of The Rain” is a slow blues with somber electric guitar and vocals. Meeks sings with emotion and pain as he navigates the cut. “Temper” follows, a pensive tome with a steady beat, distorted guitar and a weirdly cool vibe. “Mr. Dodds’ Descent” features acoustic guitar again and has some of that hill country stuff going that helps the song grind and throb along. Meeks sings with grit and passion.

Then it’s “Dry Your Tears” with some churchy sounds, a 60-cycle hum and thoughtful electric guitar. The off-kilter quirkiness of the musical approach gives it a feeling likes it’s a cross of a gospel tune and Zappa. “Glory Be” features heavy distortion as Meeks again gets a sort of psychedelic gospel going with electric guitar blazing. “These Blues Will Be My End” concludes the album. Another somber and dark piece, this one features layered voices creating an echoey backdrop with electric guitar ringing and a sparse snare keeping the beat..

This one will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you want to hear something that pushes the boundaries of roots music then perhaps this one’s for you!