One of the nice things about reviewing for this magazine, in my opinion, is that I get to review artists I have never heard before, and with nothing to draw upon regarding their catalogue it puts the focus squarely on the song. KVTRINA is a multi-instrumentalist who records her music in her bedroom but works with different mixing engineers for a polished sound. Based in Aberdeen, she is a growing name in the local music scene.
I will introduce her to you through the press release I received, then I will have a listen to both of her currently released tracks.
“KVTRINA (pronounced Katrina) is a new and upcoming artist from the Scottish Borders, now based in Aberdeen, having made her debut performing at Grampian Pride this summer. Her artist name is inspired by two of her favourite bands CHVRCHES and PVRIS, who have both been a huge inspiration as bands with strong female leads. Taking inspiration from bands such as Paramore, Busted and Avril, her music has that fun nostalgic feel of pop punk from the early 00s, with catchy choruses that will get stuck in your head.
Following her debut single “Anybody Else,” KVTRINA’s second single “Rear View” delivers nostalgia in its music and lyrics. The song tells a story of struggling with the dullness and repetition of everyday life whilst looking back on happier times, inspired by memories from her early 20s as a student and from time spent travelling SE Asia, Australia and New Zealand.”
My Review:
“Rear View” was released on September 7. It has a bright pop vibe and rhythm. Considering it was recorded in her bedroom the instrumentalisation is crisp and clear, rhythms and harmonies infectious and a light positivity about the whole. The vocal tells of looking in the rear view and seeing the person we were once happy with, that universal connection to the one we loved before.The fusion of the different styles of recorded vocal also works.
“Anybody Else” came out in March 2025. This was the debut release by KVTRINA and it notes to never meet your heroes as they will just let you down (mine didn’t! – Gene Simmons you were lovely! – but I want to meet Velma from Scooby Doo too). This track has a rock/pop beat, a strong general groove and a little bit of acid in the theme, I like that in a song sometimes! An impressive debut actually, I hope it got some radio play from Scottish commercial radio.
So, from bedroom recordings to bright stages, KVTRINA is taking her first steps into the world of recordings, and with fresh energy – KVTRINA is the kind of artist Rock the Joint Magazine loves to spotlight early.
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You can stream music from KVTRINA here
By Lorraine Foley