‘Keep On Rising’ by Mrs. Henry is an awe-inspiring rock opera that tells the story of someone who stops at nothing to get what they want. Its a sprawling magnum opus that will leave you revved-up, frightened, emotional and blown-away on your first (or fifth) listen.
The rock opera consists of 38 songs and single versions of 7 songs off of the collection. Each song has a unique rock n roll flair. This while using sub-genres of rock and tempo to guide listeners through this fast-paced story without letting up.
The story of ‘Keep On Rising’ is broken up into three acts. These follow our main protagonist YOUR TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY RISING STAR on a journey that changes them wholly.
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‘Keep On Rising’: Act I
‘Keep On Rising’ and ‘A Time Like This’ are curtain openers, easing the listener into the sound and vibe. This as well as the main themes of the opera. ‘We Are A Rock N Roll Band’ abd ‘Back in the Beginning…A Kid at Heart’ introduce us to our main character(s), using an anthemic 80’s rock song (for the former) and a retro rock n roll sound (for the latter).
There’s a quiet optimism to this first four tracks that feel fresh and new, while reflecting a certain naivety.
‘Keep On Rising’ seems to take on a bit of a dark and almost sinister tone almost immediately. The tracks from ‘Bye, Bye, Baby’ to ‘a Moment of Silence’ seem to introduce this insidious, almost insatiable sense of greed. This sense is palpable and raw, directing our characters towards a darkness that seems inescapable.
‘Keep On Rising’: Act II
A frighteningly dark, sinister mood creeps up on you as the tracklist progresses between ‘The Sex Sells, Love Drugs, Rock N Roll Society’ and ‘Fate Vs. Faith’. Its almost as though the drums and guitars mess with your head. While taking you through an experience that is almost entirely internal. Its haunting and moving.
‘Here I Am’ is a particularly haunting track.
The tale end of Fate Vs. Faith introduces an almost creepy-sounding piano, highlighting the unhinged horror of the swirling thoughts our protagonists have been experiencing. These despondent notes transform into something tentative and almost safe when we transition to ‘Born Again (I Believe)’.
‘Born Again (I Believe)’, ‘It’s Okay’ and ‘It’s NOT Okay’ are piano-led ballads and tracks that are definite highlights on ‘Keep On Rising’. There’s a sense of respite and tentative respite and blooming optimism that begins to build from this point on.
‘Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch’ and ‘Find A Circle (It’s a Wonderful Feeling)’ are tracks that feature the banjo and an almost country-sound. This stripping back the emotional complexity to a message that seems simple.
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‘Keep On Rising’: Act III
The tracks between ‘Tell me a Story…Action! Action!’ and ‘Here Comes Your 21st Century Rising Star’ begin building back our broken main protagonist. The songs from now on begin to reference songs from previous acts. This allowing moments of catharsis and relief as they plot progresses.
The tracks between ‘It’s Never Too Late…For An Overture!’ and ‘Better Make It Count’ strengthen the protagonist’s confidence. While also helping them settle into themselves. ‘Faith and Fate’ to ‘Hope, Keep On Rising’ tie lose ends while closing out the opera on a high and triumphant note.
The last two tracks on the main track-list ‘Take a Moment to Appreciate’ and ‘Peace, Love, Rock N Roll’ are songs that serve as curtain calls. These songs give the listener a few minutes to reel in every twist and turn, allowing the opera’s message to sink in fully.
Bonus
The last seven tracks are single versions of ‘A Time Like This’, ‘Doing It Right’, ‘I Don’t Want To Let You Go’, ‘Find A Circle (It’s a Wonderful Feeling), ‘Everyone Wants Peace and Love’, ‘Better Make It Count’ and ‘Peace, Love, Rock N Roll’. These seem to serve as palette wetters for those who want more.
Conclusion and The Artist
All in all, ‘Keep On Rising’ by Mrs. Henry is an inspiring rock opera that tells an incredibly emotionally moving story. It keeps listeners engaged throughout with powerful vocal performances and moving storytelling.
The Artist and Project
Mrs. Henry is a rock collective based in San Diego, California. The members of their original line-up: Jody Bagley (keyboardist), Dan Cervantes (guitarist), Blake Dean (bassist) and Chad Lee (drums) came up with this rock opera during the pandemic.
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‘Keep On Rising’ draws its inspiration from acts like AC/DC, Alice Cooper, Guns N’ Roses, Billy Joel and Outkast. The drama/rock opera also takes inspiration from musicals like Andrew Lloyd Weber’s ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ as well as ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’.
Listen to ‘Keep On Rising’ here:
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