McKenna - female fronted hard rock

Just received a CD from a previously unknown band from Chicago called McKenna.  I might describe them as hard rock with a touch of blues, sort of like Rez Band, Under Command or F.O.G.  Title of the album is "Are You Ready". 

Also, per the groups press material: 'all real musicianship, no sequencing'

Further details at the groups website: https://mckennaband.com/

Picking up some proggish leanings a la Neal Morse.  The song's length, over six minutes, leads me to that conclusion.

Their only release, Are You Ready, came out in 2020.  They are a husband and wife band...the album features ten tracks clocking in at a robust 58 minutes.  The final track is 12+.

12+ minutes?  That is one I would intentionally leave off my Hidizs!

I would like to hear more, though, based on the video.



I can't find their music anywhere.  I found their page on Facebook and have messaged them about getting more from them.

I found them on YouTube Music.

I found the band on Facebook and ordered their CD.  I haven't played it yet.  I doubt I will love the 12+ minute song, but the rest could be entertaining.

alldatndensum wrote:

I found the band on Facebook and ordered their CD.  I haven't played it yet.  I doubt I will love the 12+ minute song, but the rest could be entertaining.

The 12 minute song isn't actually that long.  It's around 6 minutes long with another song tacked on after about a minute (so a "hidden" track).  I was listening to the youtube vid of it a few days ago. 

Staybrite wrote:

alldatndensum wrote:

I found the band on Facebook and ordered their CD.  I haven't played it yet.  I doubt I will love the 12+ minute song, but the rest could be entertaining.

The 12 minute song isn't actually that long.  It's around 6 minutes long with another song tacked on after about a minute (so a "hidden" track).  I was listening to the youtube vid of it a few days ago. 

I might be able to edit that MP3 and cut it into two separate tracks and rename the "hidden" track.

I am finally listening to this and must say that it is quite good!  The lead singer is reminiscent of Ann Wilson of Heart but not a clone at all.  The music at times has a modern vibe to it, but most of the time is is grounded in 70s and 80s hard rock.  The production is pristine and you can clearly hear all the instruments and vocals.  Other than the vocal similarities, though, I can't really compare this to a secular artist, but you can tell that this band has spent a lot of time listening to the greats of the 70s and 80s and wear all of their influences without trying to rip one of them off.

I would recommend getting this is you do enjoy female vocals.  They are working on a new project that should be out later this year.

I like this 

The only down side to the album that I hear is that they need more background harmonies to make their choruses pop more.

alldatndensum wrote:

The only down side to the album that I hear is that they need more background harmonies to make their choruses pop more.

I agree with you suggestion I think that would improve the recording quite a bit.