"Lessons from Last Night" by Hunter Valentine

Rock fans will find a hidden gem in Hunter Valentine’s latest effort, “Lessons from the Late Night,” a new EP surfacing stateside on May 11.

The trio, which has been recording for over a half decade, have recorded an energetic set of tunes that successfully captures the music in a way that feels like it’s straight from a live performance.  It’s a hard-edged set of songs that become more infectious with each listen.

This reviewer immediately gravitated to “Revenge,” which is the most distinctive track on the album, with a fairly fast beat that has an angry edge to it that moves the song energetically to the chorus. One of the more somber moments, such as “She Only Loves Me When She’s Wasted,” still rocks out, with forceful drumming and beautiful harmonies.

Most of the songs are straight-ahead rockers, with a similar vein and feel.  Hunter Valentine has definitely established a sound that works for them in this EP, and vocalist/guitarist Kiyomi McCloskey, bassist Adrienne Lloyd and drummer Laura Petracca don’t mince words, just as they don’t mince music.  It’s all out there for the taking.

There’s points that get a little samey, but it’s all professional, competent and entertaining.  And at seven songs, the EP isn’t long enough to get fatigue — like the songs, it’s short and to the point.

This trio of talented women is worth a listen.