Demon's Claws "Fucked on K" 7"
I really love these guys on record, but live I think they blow, at least the three times I've seen them. You'd think a band could at least hit it one out of three times. Whatever. But this is a record, not a live show review. "Fucked on Ketamine" brings a modern day druggie feel to some good-ole-boy country-western rock-n-roll about skirt-lifting and substance-taking. It's about that girl. Rather triumphant sounding. B-Side has some hoe-down hay-bale square dance feel, maybe even a Man In Black nod. These guys walk the line. A nice two-songer that fans of this outfit will wholly enjoy, it's a bit lighter than the last LP. A-Side is really strong, B-Side is fun toss-off. Are they broken up now or what? Scum stats: 1000 copies. (RK)
(Rob's House Records // www.robshouserecords.com)

Slab City "Friday Nite Boy" 7"
Two brief yet assertive tracks from Slab City, both punchy shouters of the rock-punk variety with a bit of organ (it's more up front on the catchy "Caguama Rama" on Side B). A short record for sure — its all over in an eyeblink. Loud, simple and pretty fun - though it's not the most memorable sounding record. It's not bad by any means, pretty rockin' actually. It just left me wanting a little more, that's all. 500 pressed on black bean vinyl.(LB)
(Rob's House Records // www.robshouserecords.com)

V/A Gentlemen Jesse/Joseph Plunket split 7"
This is a cool collaboration between Jesse and Joseph in which each contributes a song and the pair hit the studio together to record in tandem. Each member of the duo compliments the other nicely, with both their song selection and performance; it sounds as if they have been playing together for years, and perhaps they have. With a couple of solid releases under his belt, Jesse is establishing himself as a bit of a craftsman. Here the two guitar tracks play off one another impeccably to form a captivating rock-pop melody. Plunkett's cut has an American rocknroll anthem feel, built on big guitars that climax in a blunt, chant-a-long chorus—"You ruined everything for me!" It's also worth noting that the pic sleeve montage makes for one of the sharpest looking records I've seen lately.(DH)
(Rob's House // www.robshouserecords.com)

Weakends "Death Ride" 7"
I don't want to go into it again, I'm getting overloaded with French stuff, waaaah, I got it so tough. You know, it takes a pretty good Franco-recording for me to get all excited anymore. I like this one. Sort of primo-garage feel to it, dare I say a continental Demon's Claws perhaps? Weakends are from Bordeaux, I don't think there are any ex-Fatals in the mix or anything, they have that soulful blues/country swagger without getting all overblown about it. Tastefully done fellas, and I appreciate that. B-Side sounds a little Black Lips influenced, and I got no shake with that, it's screechy and fuzzy and a little bit stumblebum. A nice debut. Mastered by those dudes from Cheveu, if that scores points with you.(RK)
(Rob's House Records // www.robshouserecords.com)