Kickin Valentina - The Revenge Of Rock

Album review by; DeeDee

Although they have been around since 2013 and toured with a wide array of bands, Buckcherry, Skid Row, Doro, Faster Pussycat and Queensryche, are just a few, for some unknown reason, Kickin Valentina have evaded being on everyone’s playlist. The ‘Imaginary Creatures’ album was a huge success for them in 2017, so it’s been a while, but now the Atlanta boys have brought out a 9 track follow up. This third album ‘The Revenge Of Rock’ has already been filling social media with promising reviews, putting KV back in the frame.

‘Freakshow’ is a slap in your face, wake up and smell the coffee, type of call. Shimmering guitar from Heber Pampillon is backed by the robust and resonant drums of Jimmy Berdine and the production by Andy Reilly (UFO, Cradle Of Filth, Bruce Dickinson) is spot on and so sharp. Vocals are care of D.K. Revelle and they slide in, fitting perfectly alongside the troop. Kickin Valentina have that brazen rock and roll sound that ‘Junkyard’ first sold us, back in the 89. ‘Somebody New’ is more controlled, having melody and vocals that flow in several layers. It’s a strong contender though, with more solo guitar inserted for extra weight and again the brilliant sticks can’t be ignored. We take off and fly with ‘Rat Race’, hard to keep your feet still to this one. A higher range from D.K. and a rapid guitar riff, create a stormy little rocker. Mingling together, it has all the essence of early AC/DC and certainly pumps the old blood system around. There’s a bit of softness with ’Strange’, the rock element is stripped back and we get a really enjoyable song. Hard to put my finger on it, ’Strange’ is essentially a power ballad, but gives off loads of feel good vibes and the finish is pure quality.

As we reach track 5, the variation in tracks has already been an eye opener, yes I’ve smelt the coffee!

‘Lookin For Me’ is another surprise, the rasping and scratchy vocals from D.K. are a fine front for this more laid back approach. Backing vocals, a stack of impressive stringing, along with cool bass by Chris Taylor, all contribute to make this yet another with ample personality. ‘War’ is the third single from the album, if you need to hear a sample of what Kickin Valentina are about, then this is the one to plug in. Wow, with ‘eat my Georgia dust’ attitude, it swings into action with a churning, low and grubby riff. The backing chants of ‘Whoa’ nail it, they break it all up and the delivery is as dangerous as a rogue wave. Wearing it on their sleeve ‘Heart Tattoo’ is a country style ballad with an added element of sleazy rock. I can even see it going down well as an acoustic version, plenty of opportunity to join in on the chorus and wave those phones.

Eighth of the nine is ‘End Of The Road’ I always think the penultimate track on an album is the worst position to be had, as unless it’s 100% outstanding and unforgettable, you are either waiting eagerly for the final song, to see how it all pans out, or your attention is beginning to wain. Unfortunately ‘End Of The Road’ falls a little short of expectation, it still flows, but stands in the shadows of the others. Final track is the title number ‘The Revenge Of Rock’ and yes what a surge of power. Kickin Valentina, as their name suggests, are kicking with full force. Throughout the album the drumming of Jimmy Berdine has been exceptional and this one hears him totally winning it. All the consistency and evenness is summed up on this belter, guitar shredding, stomping rhythm and those ‘Hey’ backing vocals seal it. Not forgetting the perfect effect that D.K. Revelle leaves with those lyrics.

You may have caught Kickin Valentina on tour or at a festival; they did appear at ‘Call Of The Wild’ in 2019. With everything as it is of course, who knows when they will return to the UK, or even Europe, although they are due to play HRH Sleaze in Sheffield this August if restrictions are lifted by then. In the meantime have a listen to this new album, it’s cool, biker generated hard rock, at its best.

4/5

Order the album here: https://targetshop.dk/kickin-valentina

Kickin Valentina are;

Vocals - D.K. Revelle
Guitar - Heber Pampillon
Bass - Chris Taylor
Drums - Jimmy Berdine

Socials;

http://kickinvalentina.com/

Kickin Valentina | Facebook

Kickin Valentina (@kickinvalentina) • Instagram photos and videos

Kickin Valentina (@KickinValentina) / Twitter

https://www.youtube.com/c/KValentina/videos

#kickinvalentina

#therevengeofrock