The debut release by Meklit & Quinn features a handful of original songs, but mainly features covers of tracks by artists like Arcade Fire, Talking Heads, MGMT, Lou Reed and more. The duo puts a soulful twist on those modern alternative numbers while adding their own polish to the acclaimed oldies but goodies. The self-titled disc opens up with “Neighborhoods #1 (Tunnels)” by Arcade Fire. The already fairly mellow moving number is slowed down even further and features more of a smokey sound to it. The following track is a jazz pop original titled “Sent By You.” The contrast in Quinn DeVeaux’s savory voice and Meklit Hadero’s lighter, sugary vocal range adds a warm ambiance to the sleek, cool number. For the most part, Meklit & Quinn was moving in a positive light until the duo covered “Electric Feel” by MGMT. The duo tried to add a lounge act feel to the energetic piece, which adds an awkward pacing to the piece. However, their cover of Lou Reed’s “Satellite Of Love” quickly picks up the slack provided by the previous cut. Hadero has the ability to quickly woo the listener with her silky harmonies and even when the number gets a little harsher, her performance doesn’t feel forced.
She has another original piece of her own on the album. “Slow” has a much lighter and free spirited sound overall compared to some of the other numbers on the release. Quinn DeVeaux’s final original number, “Saving Up” has a slow, ragtime feel that supports his old time voice to a T. With the brass horns and the suave swagger of Hadero’s parts, this is where the duo truly shines.
In A Word: Inconsistent
