Music Review: "Sweeten the Victory" by Valendina

Valendina is a 4-piece pop-punk band hailing from Philadelphia. They took home the 2023 Homey Award for Rock Song Of The Year for single “Montgomery”. Where their award- winning song was about redemption, their latest single “Sweeten the Deal”, released on September 20, gives us hope in humor. 

The track art for “Sweeten The Deal” is designed to look like the flier for a DIY house venue or basement show. “DM for address”, “NOTAFLOF”, and other signature sayings are placed over the bandmates' cut out figures. Lead singer Katrina uses her signature powerhouse vocals to explain the state of the average human experience for a particular generation. She sings out “‘disillusioned with growing older, never understood the price. As we march from our 9-5, our passions we sacrifice,” relating to the overworked and underappreciated.  The electric guitars with 80’s hair metal tones play throughout the tune giving the song an anthem feel. There’s a chance for a sing-along at the 2:25 minute as the bridge kicks in with easy to follow cheer. 

This song takes the previous point to the next level, and encourages this generation to fight for what they want, even if it involves creating some ‘casual chaos’ in order to save the next generation from facing the hardships they have endured.