Albany High Student Reviewer Mike Mono attended Valerie's Chords & Chaos CD Release party and here's what he had to say about the show:

June 16: what a dreary day. But what made my day even less dreary and a lot better was this CD release party!

The first couple songs Valerie did were great covers by Avril Lavigne, The Beatles, Michelle Branch, Bob Dylan, and more. Every single one of those covers were great! Especially "Knockin on Heavens Door." I havent heard her play that in like a year. Her voice is very strong in all of the songs and brings so much power to the audience in front of her.

When the covers were done Val did an original off of her debut album "Chords & Chaos." "Black Butterfly" was really great. The chord progression and the lyrics are what stood out most in that song.

Then Val's bandmates Peter and Kristin came up to do the rest of the set (well almost the rest) with her. And they really added a lot to the songs. Especially in "Immature Forever" the bass and the congos (?) really stood out and woke everyone up with a new form of energy that let us know that this was going to be a good night.

My favorite..."I Doubt it" was next. I've heard it so many times, and every time it gets better and better, especially with a band. The music is very strong which compliments Vals beautiful voice to make a catchy tune. You cant help but to sing along!

Then Val's voice took a break and Peter did his original song with the band: "Day Dreaming." Peter has a good voice and the music is very good too. Especially the solo, that got me!

Then Val sang "Used" another one I've heard so much that I cant help to sing along to. Its a great song with so much potential. The introduction is awesome because it leads into such a powerful song.

I have also decided this next one is also one of my favorites: "Another Girl." It is really catchy! That has potential to be a single. Val's voice in this one has the most energy and is really strong which makes it a really great song. Peter's guitar solo is also really good. The bass also adds a whole other surface to it. I could go on and on about that song.

Then Val and her bandmates' (I couldnt catch the name, the waitress kept talking) last song was "Halls of Middle School." I like the chord progression in this one. I also love the percussion in this one as well as, pretty much, everything else. A great closer!

But then she came back for more with Brian Kaplan. Brian added a lot to the song, and it was already good to begin with, but he made it even better. Vals voice right along with her guitar and Brians made it a great song to listen to.

I wish there was an encore, because it would've been great. As soon as I get the money I will buy "Chords and Chaos" to review that, and by the sound of you guys last night, it'll be a real enjoyment to listen to. Great performance and I cant wait for more!