Review / 200 Words Or Less
Fake Problems / Ninja Gun
Split

Sabot Productions (2009) Michael

Fake Problems / Ninja Gun – Split cover artwork
Fake Problems / Ninja Gun – Split — Sabot Productions, 2009

This split 7" from Sabot teams up two punk sensations for one exclusive track each. Fake Problems offer up "The Manliest Man of All Men," which is very much in tune with their preceding full-length, It's Great to be Alive. The band builds on their quirky punk sound with a hint of bluesy rock and roll and indie rock flavoring; think The Rolling Stones meets Against Me! and Modest Mouse.

Ninja Gun offers "Time and a Half," which showcases a more pop-driven sound as compared to Fake Problems. The song boasts a slight Americana tinge and the vocals are much more smooth and poppy, recalling Billy Joe Armstrong at points. I wasn't as into this song; it just seemed a bit too cutesy for my tastes.

If you're a fan of PBR, The Fest, beards, and flannel shirts, then you should definitely take the time to pick up this 7" - that's if you don't already have it.

6.5 / 10Michael • December 10, 2009

Fake Problems / Ninja Gun – Split cover artwork
Fake Problems / Ninja Gun – Split — Sabot Productions, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

The Dwarves

Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows
GREEDY (2025)

Sunshine, Lollipops & Rainbows is a live studio recording from 1989, released on picture disc earlier this year on limited vinyl for Record Store Day. Given that it came shortly before the release of Blood, Guts & Pussy, it's no surprise that it's heavy on songs from that record (10 of 14, if I've counted correctly). It's more primal than … Read more

Osmium

Osmium
Invada (2025)

Osmium brings together four artistic heavyweights, united not just by a shared experimental ethos, but by a love of bespoke and often self-made instruments. On their debut record, Hildur Guðnadóttir harnesses the unstable feedback of the halldorophone, a cello-like instrument designed by Halldór Úlfarsson. James Ginzburg (emptyset) contributes tamboura-like drones using a monocord of his own design. Sam Slater operates … Read more

Lutheran Heat

Hi Again
Pinata Records (2025)

Lutheran Heat have one of my favorite band names, a distinctly Minnesota tongue-in-cheek nod to local culture and mannerisms. But while I dig the band name, that's not really relevant to the rest of this review. Hi Again is their first record in 9 years, but it continues their garagey indie-punk tones. Expect garage rock guitar tones, slacker indie rock … Read more