Originally Published on September 19th, 2025
Memory Tattoos by Bad Valentines
There is a very exciting new band out of Helsinki, Finland, who are taking an energetic blend of vintage glam and punk rock, with a more modern pop rock vibe.
Though they are new to the Finnish indie rock scene, Bad Valentines are comprised of experienced musicians who have been around the block. Hailing from such local acts as Dagger play and Plastic Tears, Bad Valentines are breathing new life into their vintage sound.
About the EP
Memory Tattoos is the debut EP of Finnish indie rock band, Bad Valentines. At 14 minutes, this 4-song release is a collection of fast-paced pop-infused rock with big, vintage guitars, pocket drum and bass, and a refreshingly upbeat vocal presence. Memory Tattoos was independently released on April 25th, 2025, with the production assistance of Petri Majuri (Franz Ferdinand) and Sammy Aaltonen (Andy McCoy)
Memory Tattoos doesn’t try to be anything more than what it is. What it is? It is upbeat, energetic, positive sounding rock. Blending elements of 70’s and 80’s rock, punk rock, and glam rock, Bad Valentines separate themselves with a fresh energy at vocals.
The highlight of this energetic debut is their debut single, Mariia. In Mariia, Bad Valentines open with full band energy, syncopated rhythmically, with a nice blend of progression and riff. The vocal performance is the perfect and pleasant highlight to the complexities of the instrumental performance, centralizing the entire piece with its anthemic approach.
Follow Bad Valentines on Spotify
Refocus by Kat Button
In a world where everybody has a recording studio in the palm of their hands, authenticity is elemental. In a world where AI can generate an album in minutes; a feat that can take artists, at minimum, several months (for many, it can take years), incorporating human connection is vital.
With UK independent artist, Kat Button, she is being her authentic self by embracing a very real, very human experience. “Kat Button is an artist on a mission: to share the reality of living with mental illness health while sharing hope.”
For Button, her mental illness struggles began with a diagnosis of OCD. Since that time, she has struggled with anxiety, loneliness, and intrusive thoughts, as she learns how to balance, or Refocus (if you will), her life to these new adjustments. Button has found coping mechanisms that have fed hope into her life, from finding helpful treatments to finding an outlet to share her experience; music. Today, Kat Button releases her debut album, Refocus.
About the Album
Refocus is the debut album of UK independent artist, Kat Button. Blending elements of pop and R&B, electronic, and dance music, this 10 song LP runs at 36 minutes. Refocus was recorded independently, written, and performed by Kat Button.
I heard a variety of influence in this album. One group that comes to mind are Delerium, a personal favorite of mine. In particular, their 2000 album Poem. Button uses a number of different synths to help the instrumentals really move throughout the record. I love the airy, arpeggiated effects this has, bringing energy to the vocals that are telling her story.
The other influence I hear is vintage (prime) Moby. Specifically, I hear moments that remind me of the album Play. Button is able to convey the stages of her experience in a way that feels like we are looking a photo album for our ears.
As the album progresses, the mood perpetually lifts, coming to a climax with ultimate positivity. My favorite song on the album is Back to Nature. One thing that I think is so beautiful about life is how we all have our own experiences but we are connected in how we deal with them. When I feel overwhelmed, I set my sights on the outdoors; the ocean, the mountains, forests and fields. Connecting with nature. Button has written a beautiful song depicting that very experience.
Button’s debut tells a beautiful story. It’s not an easy story to tell, as I’m sure it’s not an easy story to live. She shows us that, not every hard thing has to break us. The hard rather can make us into who we are meant to be. It can make us do what we are meant to do. Kat Button has released a wonderful album, introducing her listeners to an incredible journey with a happy ending. It is because of this journey, this album exists. She didn’t let a diagnosis stop her. Instead, it inspired her. Now, she has inspired us.
Fifteen Minutes of Fame Music Entertainment 
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