Casey Meehan, “Violet”
Tense Forms
The air is thick, muggy, and full of nervous chatter. The congregation finds their seats with the help of ushers dressed in black suits, polite in their assistance and insistence that the growing crowd find their seats. The tent is makeshift at best, made from old bed sheets and a few cracks in the seams are visible to those who look above. No one is sure what to expect. They’ve heard the tales of this new minister and his new gospel, but they are apprehensive, perhaps even a little frightened at the prospect. Then, suddenly, the lights dim, and the stage explodes with horns, guitar, bass, and heavy percussion. As the lights restore the minister sings, no, howls the sermon with a boogie that is just shy of satanic, and the congregation can’t help but rise to their feet and join in with the minimal choir that accompanies him. Casey Meehan is that minister, and his songs aren’t the old or new testament, but they are lessons for the weak nonetheless. He sings of being baptised, of being born again, and with titles like “Who Will Be Saved?” and “Do Right” his mission is clear. He may not be of a formal religion, but he is here to shepherd the meek through the valley, and he will do so with a bit of Dixie, a bit of Storyville, New Orleans, and a lot of moxy and sensual vocal prowess reminiscent of Mark Sandman and Greg Dulli. These songs are the lessons of a man who has been through it all, who sees the masks we all put on and who wants to shatter them, hurling a reality with the force of a fastball; and like any good evangelist he has sinned as much as those he tries to save. His band, the Delta Still, are a tight, fierce ensemble, and the songs are punishing in places and delicate in others: whatever it takes to get the message out right. The instrumentals are massive, and through it all Meehan carries the weight with ease, sexing the microphone for all its worth. For his first record, Meehan is shooting out of the gate, heading down the track at full speed. Catch him if you can. - Rob Devlin