Bad Valentines - Mariia (self-released)

Rock music isn’t exactly known for its sense of responsibility or for acting its age, and I’m sure that even Bad Valentines have moments when their sense of fun overtakes their better judgment. But sometimes things happen that sharpen the mind, the laughter stops, and a more serious approach to the task is required.

Or, in the words of songwriter and guitarist Pekko Mantzin, “I woke up one morning two years ago to find a Ukrainian friend had posted a picture with a chillingly simple message: WAR.” And so “Mariia,” the band’s debut single, was born.

Blending the same strands of punk energy, rock groove, glam vibes, and power-pop infectiousness that drove their fellow countrymen, Hanoi Rocks back in the day, “Mariia” is a head combination of all the musical elements that matter, it’s incendiary and accessible, melodic and muscular, poised and propulsive.

Best of all, while the message that drives the song is poignant and, sadly, more relevant than ever, the song never goes down a dark and earnest route, a trap that too many rock bands fall into. Instead, throughout its four-minute salvo, it is never less than buoyant and sonically fun, a song that will both make you think and also make you dance—the best of both worlds.

As I say, rock music isn’t known for its maturity, but as Bad Valentines proves here when a band from this genre puts their mind to sending an important message to the masses, there is no better or more appealing sonic delivery system.

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