The solo project of Dave Burr, Ruby Weapon is completely DIY across all elements of its art. It’s got a rawness to it, a style that’s unfiltered and seething in its necessity to depict itself as purely and sincerely as Dave can muster. The indie rock project is fairly conventional in its instrumental arrangement, loaded and driven through infectious electric guitar riffs that just boast gallons of style that sound distinctively inspired by classic rock elements from the golden age. From the outset of ‘Fools of May’, you’re drawn into Burr’s rollercoaster vision through a scintillating riff that comes in slowly but soon finds its groove down the middle as it starts pulsating and reeling you in with its energy.
In his own words, American Court Temps is almost a demo of a project that Burr would like to flesh out more and polish to finality later on. It’s a resume of sorts, his first entry into the musical realm to announce the style and substance of the music he’d like to make on a larger budget, with more collaborators. As a first attempt goes, its exceedingly well put together.
Although it might be a bit rough around the edges, American Court Temps is every bit as stylistic and suave as Burr can hope for. There’s intention on each piece, particularly so on ‘Matador Song’ and ‘Saints’. Eloquently put, Burr describes Matador Song as a metaphor where he himself uses the metaphor of a Matador as a symbol for his fear of failure that he was running from to restrict himself from pursuing his dreams. ‘Saints’ is more personal, spiritual even as he discusses his emotional and creative suppression while being on medication that was necessary and beneficial.
‘American Court Temps’ may not be polished, but its a treat nonetheless. It’s a signal from an artist ready to break boundaries and more ready to bring his own meticulous skill and vibrant energy to the fore.