Local singer-songwriter Mark Henes prides himself on his unique perspective, citing sonic influences which include electric blues, classic honky-tonk, pop-punk and all-out rock. Now he’s ready to reflect big with a full-length debut of 13 solo-written songs. All are “mirror reflections of thoughts and emotions that have solidified” Henes as a person, he states. The oldest of them was written 13 years ago.
Crystallized Reflections gets underway with a haunting alt-country fiddle-stomper of a track, “Ghost Train,” about a—you guessed it—ghost train. About the time the Dobro of Grammy-winning Nashville session musician Glen Duncan kicks in, this train is heating up and hauling away some pretty precious cargo (this particular “Ghost Train” is a different song than the track of the same name recorded by Marty Stuart).
Henes later hears the trumpets sounding in the chant of “I Pray, I Pray.” Evidently there are a lot of people for whom to pray and, judging by the large scope of people, the precious cargo previously named in “Ghost Train” is probably included.
“The Underground” finds the artist taking a road less traveled in a somber, stripped-down and soothing recitation of the plea Father, won’t you surround me while I stand in Your sanctuary?
“White Clouds (Part 1–3)” paints a mixed experience with synthesizing sounds that seem to belong somewhere cinematic; a movie scene could feel at home here. Henes’s all-out rock heritage suddenly comes into play as the world comes crashing down in “Nostradamus Is Upon Us.” Sweetness soon blooms again, though; in the awww-worthy feelgood beckoning invitation of the folksy “Arm Full of Roses.” But the sweet becomes bitter when the singer is fighting for his right to live in the story of “Death Was the Penalty,” while a raucous rockiness and a sound reminiscent of REM’s Michael Stipe can be found in “Strip Me Down.”
Crystallized Reflections’ themes travel all over the place, finally stopping atop “Tennessee Hills” on the closing fiddle-and-banjo-backed track. After all of the reflection, it seems Henes is ultimately happy to be there with hopes that listeners join his journey.
As for the album’s unique title, Henes gives credit to his mentor, Stan Lassiter, for a statement he once made regarding the action of how a fluid thought can crystallize.
Order Crystallized Reflections, find more about Mark Henes and download the singles “Ghost Train” and “Strip Me Down” at markhenes.com. Henes will perform at Nashville’s Douglas Corner on Feb. 1 and is scheduled to play The Boro Bar & Grill on Feb. 21.
