Kickin Valentina - Imaginary Creatures (EN)

A previously unknown formation for me. The Hard rockers Kickin Valentina, founded in 2012, release their second album "Imaginary Creatures" at the beginning of August. I decided to listen to the album carefully after the first listening tests. Furthermore it is Hard Rock in Old school style.

The opening starts with a short intro. One searches for the matching radio station while sitting in the car before the musical's drive starts. Delightful Hard rock typical guitar sounds strum throughout my speakers supported by a good tough drum and bass. The voice of Joe Edwards sounds a bit rough once he maltreats the micro. One can definitely feel the paragons of good old days here. However, he can also sing clear and soft when the song requires it. The refrains are sometimes polyphonic and give the songs more power and intensity as a result. The solos perfectly fit in the structure and extend the songs in a technical way.

The groovy verses and catchy refrains are an essential component of the formation. Moreover the solos and little breaks offer a great variety. The mix of melody and roughness is perfect and doesn't seem too soft or too pop. The Hard Rock part clearly retains the upper hand even if it is a bit dreamier.

Indeed, in some parts I can feel the musical ghost of the old Guns n' Roses and Poison floating through the space. The Americans also master the balladic and sensitive elements really good as they impressively demonstrate with "Crazy". Of course, such a song cannot be absent in a real Rock album. The hardness rises in the track from second to second and triggers goose bumps. Even a female voice found its place in the refrain of "Street". The singing voice has a kind of radio effect.

However, I can only find week moments at the end of the album. The two last songs are rather unspectacular compared to the other eight. Well, "Burning Love" is definitely radio-friendly and is highlighted by the swinging groove but it doesn't trill me like the rest of the album. The refrain is a bit too shoal. Also the title track is too weak by comparison but luckily it comes at the end and has no effect to the general impression.

Conclusion:
One can partly feel the ghost of the wild 80s with "Imaginary Creatures". One who likes the sound of Mötley Crüe and company will have a lot of fun with Kickin Valentina in 2017. It is a damn good album that makes a good mood with three-quarters of an hour. Groovy Hard Rock that should back and upgrade every car trip.

Rating: 8/10

Recommendations: Eyes, Crazy, Heartbreak