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Dec 05, 2025 Web Exclusive By Frank Valish

Almost 15 years into being a band, and after releasing two of their biggest records (2002’s Spend the Night and 2004’s Gold Medal) on the major label Atlantic Records, by 2007 The Donnas found themselves without a label and for the first time since their early days, on their own. So what did they do? Start their own Purple Feather record label and release one of the hardest-rocking records of their career.

Bitchin’, which ultimately became The Donnas’ final album, benefits from a more straight ahead rock and roll approach. Gone are the band’s punk roots, and similarly the psychedelic touches of Gold Medal have been abandoned for something more immediate. Assertive from the jump, with the air raid siren that starts the album leading into the drum line and blistering Black Sabbath-esque riff of the title track, Bitchin’ comes to play. There’s the propulsive pulse of “Better Off Dancing,” the ’80s metal riff and big melodies of “Save Me,” the choral vocals and ’70s rock burn of “When the Show Is Over.”

Reissued by Real Gone in double LP gatefold fashion, Bitchin’ features the album in all its heavy glory through three sides, with a fourth being essential bonus tracks—two outtakes, a previous vinyl-only track, one song that came out in Japan, one that was download-only, and a cover of “Safety Dance” that’s more amusing than anything else. It’s the definitive Bitchin’. And it’s definitively bitchin’ indeed. (www.realgonemusic.com)

Author rating: 7.5/10