Go in, nail 'em and go home exhausted. Such a simple victory has been the mission of rock bands for decades. It's a noble pursuit; a do-it-yourself mentality that compels musicians to obliterate with powerful songs propelled by live passion and vitality. That's Hunter Valentine. Blasting out their inimitable rock since the summer of 2004, Hunter Valentine has blossomed, establishing a devoted fan base via their self-financed eponymous 2005 EP and building on that foundation with their 2007 full-length The Impatient Romantic (True North Records). Razing crowds from coast to coast in their decrepit van, nailing select European and U.S. Cities over the course of 200-plus shows, the trio has garnered an international fan base as they build out of their native Canada. Hunter Valentine are now poised to break through with their gripping followup, Lessons From the Late Night (Tommy Boy/Fontana/Universal). After exploding onto the LA music scene in 2010, rockers Queen Caveat have been building on the nationwide buzz of their smash debut EP, Emptor, in 2011. This hard-hitting four-piece, led by maniacal, ferocious front-woman Lauren Little, has been quick to turn the heads of rock fans nationwide on the strength of their infectious anthems, unrivaled musicianship, and riotous - and sometimes downright dangerous - stage show. 8 - 8 USD