REVIEW: Mrs. Henry – ‘Keep On Rising’

Over the past decade, San Diego rock collective Mrs. Henry has consistently pushed the boundaries of classic rock, infusing it with a modern edge that resonates with today’s audiences. Known for their anthemic sound and dynamic performances, the band has established itself as a creative force in the music scene. Following their acclaimed re-imagining of The Band’s iconic debut “Music From Big Pink,” Mrs. Henry now returns with their most ambitious project yet—a sprawling rock-opera titled ‘Keep On Rising’.

‘Keep On Rising’ isn’t just an album; it’s a full-scale rock drama that tells the story of “YOUR TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY RISING STAR,” a character driven by an insatiable appetite for fame, glory, and everything that comes with rock ‘n’ roll stardom. Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like AC/DC, Queen, and Guns N’ Roses, and paying homage to the theatrical tradition of rock-operas such as The Who’s ‘Tommy’ and Pink Floyd’s ‘The Wall’, Mrs. Henry crafts a narrative in three ebullient acts, spanning a monumental thirty-eight tracks.

Born out of the dark times of 2020, when the band’s original lineup—keyboardist Jody Bagley, guitarist Dan Cervantes, bassist Blake Dean, and drummer Chad Lee—found themselves in lockdown, ‘Keep On Rising’ channels the pent-up energy of those days into a magnum opus of rock ‘n’ roll drama. The album’s protagonist is a rock star who craves it all—fame, sex, drugs, peace, love, and perhaps even enlightenment—embarking on a journey that is both triumphant and tragic.

Despite its epic length, ‘Keep On Rising’ is a masterclass in maintaining momentum and engagement. Mrs. Henry expertly blend genres and influences, from the blazing guitars and pounding beats to the swirling organs and fiery vocals, all in service to the story they tell. The result is an album that not only captures the essence of classic rock but also breathes new life into it, making it as relevant and exciting as ever.

While the sheer scale of the project might seem overwhelming, the vibrancy and creativity that flow through ‘Keep On Rising’ make it a compelling listen from start to finish. Mrs. Henry has not only met the high expectations set by their previous work but has soared above them, delivering a record that is as dynamic and ambitious as the journey it portrays.