Bad Valentines – Mariia (self-released)

6 August 2024

Rock music is not exactly known for its sense of responsibility or age-appropriate behavior, and I am sure that even Bad Valentines have moments when their sense of fun overrides their better judgment. But sometimes things happen that sharpen the mind, silence the laughter, and require a more serious approach to the task.

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

A mix of the same punk energy, rock groove, glam vibes and power pop infectiousness that drove fellow countrymen Hanoi Rocks back in the day, “Mariia” is a combination of all the important musical elements: it’s effervescent and accessible, melodic and powerful, balanced and driving.

Best of all, while the song's message is poignant and sadly more relevant than ever, the song never veers into a dark and serious direction, a trap too many rock bands fall into. Instead, it's consistently upbeat and sonically entertaining throughout its four-minute salvo, a song that makes you think as much as it makes you dance – the best of both worlds.

As we said, rock music isn't exactly known for its maturity, but Bad Valentines proves here that there's no better or more engaging method of sound delivery when a band in this genre focuses on delivering an important message to the masses.

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