Public Practice | Gentle Grip

By Polina Pekurovsky, Contributor

Brooklyn-based four-piece Public Practice recently came out with the witty, upbeat album Gentle Grip. This disco-new wave-punk album is filled with confident, danceable tracks that punch with powerful bass lines. Vocalist Sam York powers through each song with a vigorous and clear voice, singing lyrics that serve as a prime commentary on modern society. Take “Compromised,” a dynamic and enthusiastic track that guarantees a good head bop, all while reminding you of the perils of consumerism. “My Head” is reminiscent of the likes of Blondie and Ethiopian funk, standing out as the grooviest track on the album. While the bass steals the show in most songs, the occasional appearance of a distorted lead guitar shines just as brightly.

The direction of Gentle Grip strays substantially from the band’s earlier EP Distance is a Mirror, and this may be disheartening to some. They’re obviously choosing to go for a more polished, engineered sound that lacks the innate grittiness of their earlier releases. However, this is not a downfall, and it’s clear that their roots still lie in the edginess and sharpness of their punk-y past, only perhaps with a new-found intent to bring us some groovy tunes.