Down the years, many Mix ‘n’ Match albums have unexpectedly delighted in the rough and ready approach of their content. Def Leppard’s Retroactive was a case in point and remains a particular favourite of mine to this day. In such cases, one wonders at the thought processes involved in omitting quality content from milestone albums. Regardless, this was one of the driving forces behind the irrepressible Kickin Valentina now unleashing Raw Trax B-Sides and Bootlegs.
Kickin Valentina – Raw Trax, B-Sides and Bootlegs
Release Date: 2 May 2025
Words: Sophie James
Hailing predominantly from Woodstock, Georgia, for those yet to be acquainted, this ain’t no suvvern rock baby. This is Loud, Unapologetic Rock ‘n’ Roll!
Naturally continuing from where the outstanding Star Spangled Fist Fight left off, this mini album opens with a trio of fully polished studio cuts which reinforce just how their songwriting skills have been honed over the last few albums. 
Opener Blame It On Rock ‘n’ Roll, defined by its mammoth sound captured by longtime desk ace Andy Reilly, hits the ground running. Riff, rhythm ‘n’ thunder with a perfect raw yet melodic intonation in the vocal is their contagious formula.
“Another lost weekend in the twilight zone.”
Heber’s hugely infectious riff on teaser track The Gotaways sinks its talons into you from the outset with a perfect balance of commercial appeal and good time R’n’R. Further impelled by CT’s thunderous bass and Jimmy’s titanic drums, D.K.’s rasp strides the raw and energetic with harmonious inflexion. This is nowhere better demonstrated than when the anthemic bridge heads into the equally participative chorus.
“A shout out to all of the ones who were born this way.”
Third and final studio cut, The Wild Ones, is from the same stable of impelling riff-driven rock ‘n’ roll. To my ears, the vocal phrasing and melodic hook during the verses is uncannily reminiscent of The Undertones’ most addictive classic Teenage Kicks but without the riff following suit.
Next up are a brace of live recordings captured, I believe, during their late afternoon set at 2019’s Bang Your Head Festival in Germany. Sweat announces their arrival in frenetic style.
Having witnessed them many times, this brings memories flooding back as one recalls the race out of the traps then settling into a vigorous groove.
Does anyone remember The Boyzz who featured on that much-heralded Sounds/CBS compilation album back in the day? Well, D.K’s vocal on this brace has the same abrasive yet enthralling red raw quality. It is also a delight to hear Chris’ bass given more prominence in the mix.
“Rolling like an Angel in black, got the Devil beside her.”
Easy Rider is another live favourite that sees the audience coaxed into accompanying the bass intro. Deliciously spiked with the peeling guitar that saw AC/DC conquer the globe, in my experience, this number has been most popular amongst the ladies in the audience.
Following up, is an early performance of live favourite Freakshow captured during Lockdown. The guitar intro has that same agitated pattern as Givin’ The Dog A Bone. Delightful for many reasons, one being that it appears to occupy that median between a polished studio recording and an atmospheric concert performance. Secondly, it serves as a marker to illustrate just how far the final version evolved.
“You’ve got a mouth like a war!”
Is there no end to the infectious riffs? War contains one of the finest in the Kickin Valentina arsenal, and it appears in pure demo form here. One can sense the solidarity between members as the band expends energy in a ‘Let us show you just how fucking good this is’ kinda way.
Completing this collection is a second demo in End Of The Road, which demonstrates a sunnier, more commercial approach.
In summary, the previously unreleased studio tracks possess a huge sound emphasising the impeccable compositional, arranging and execution skills at play while the live and demo captures showcase the raw and the rawer.
As one eagerly anticipates what may emerge on their next full-length release, this interstitial compilation certainly satisfies an itch.
Live, they are a sensational, adrenaline-fuelled, foot-to-the-floor groove machine with every member contributing 110% to their sound.
I urge you to catch them at one (or possibly more) dates on their upcoming sojourn to these shores for what is guaranteed to be an unforgettable evening of blistering rock ‘n’ roll.
Raw Trax, B-Sides And Bootlegs is scheduled for release on 2 May 2025 via Mighty Music/Target Group and is available to order from https://targetshop.dk/vare/raw-trax-b-sides-and-bootlegs-digipack-cd/ and https://targetshop.dk/vare/raw-trax-b-sides-and-bootlegs-red-lp.
