San Diego-based rock collective Mrs. Henry has never shied away from a creative challenge, but their latest release truly pushes boundaries as they debut their latest album, a rock opera entitled “Keep on Rising.” A story in three acts, the two-hour opus takes listeners on a true musical journey as it draws inspiration from some of the greatest rock and roll icons of all time while delivering their work with an upbeat and theatrical hook. Anchoring the record, their showstopping anthem “Everybody Wants Peace and Love” encapsulates the spirit of the album’s concept as it takes audiences on an adventure from the first note.
From the moment the piece begins, the music’s identity is crystal clear. As a harmony of voices projects “Everybody,” a funky, upbeat, bass and percussion line carries the rhythm forward. We feel transported back to the summer of love with the melody and immersed in the world this music creates around us.
The narrative direction of the lyrics bring us deeper and deeper into the story with every verse. As a deep voice bellows “Everybody, It’s time to celebrate what peace is about, it’s never too late” we feel invited and compelled to repeat the lyrics back with the same passion these artists put into every line.
Instrumentally, the work feels representative of its time while still retaining a modern sensibility. While structured, the unrestrained passion of the musicianship feels genuinely inspired. From playful embellishments to rambunctious percussive solos, the flow feels reminiscent of an extemporaneous drum circle and reminds us of just how personal and expressive of a medium music should be.
Written by Nick Gumas
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