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

Various Artists

Louder Than You Think: A Lo-Fi History of Gary Young & Pavement (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Independent (2026)

Gary Young wasn’t just a drummer; he was a beautiful, unpredictable glitch poking a hole in the sky where other lovable misfits could enter and leave this universe they’d grace with their presence. While Hendrix kissed the sky, Young merely bit a hole right through it. While Pavement was busy inventing the 1990s slacker blueprint for the masses, Gary was … Read more

Mrs. Magician

High Resolution b/w Dead Alive
Swami (2026)

Mrs. Magician is back! For those unfamiliar, Mrs. Magician is a garage punk band based in San Diego, CA. They formed in 2010 and between then and 2016, they managed to release 6 singles, 2 albums and 1 B-sides collection. Both of their full lengths were released on Swami Records, the label helmed by legendary San Diego guitar slasher/voice crasher, … Read more

Amy Beth And Thee Creeps

Shitheel EP
Chaputa! Records (2026)

Sometimes I like to come into a record as a blank slate. Amy Beth And Thee Creeps sent me a short email with their latest EP, Shitheel. It's a 4-song garage-punk ripper that's easily under 10 minutes. I just checked: it's five and a half minutes. With no bio, the music speaks for itself and this is rhythmic, pulsing garage … Read more