Sabot Productions – Release Date: 4/12/11

Ninja Gun is a quartet from Valdosta, Georgia and this EP is the band’s first release since their 2008 full-length, Restless Rubes. Roman Nose finds the group focusing more on pop and country influences, as opposed to the southern/indie rock that dominated their last album. What’s surprising is how well this shift in style works. Few bands can experiment and mix varying genres with such success, but Ninja Gun’s exceptional musicianship allows them to do so with ease. In that regard, Roman Nose is the perfect record for someone in search of something new and different. The first song, “That’s Not What I Heard”, talks about corporate greed and the continued decline of America’s economy, and uses a sunny melody, tons of backing vocals and layered instrumentation to solidify what is an extremely catchy opening track. “Hot Rain” leans more in a country direction before seriously rockin’ out at its midway point, while “Lepers in Love” revolves around a huge riff that helps to shape a unique and memorable chorus. Lastly, the title track is a somber lament that appropriately concludes this EP with a haunting rhythm and piano/string accompaniments. If Roman Nose is any indication of what to expect from the next Ninja Gun full-length, then fans of original and creative music everywhere have a lot to look forward to. Don’t wait to check this out if you’re in need of a refreshing change of pace.