Gentle Grip

Description

On their debut album, Gentle Grip, Public Practice revives the spirit of late 70s New York with their angular and playful style, blending no wave/funk and dark disco. While singer/lyricist Sam York and guitarist/primary sonic architect Vince McClelland – both members of NYC post-punk outfit WALL – take an almost anarchic approach to songwriting, Drew Citron (synth/bass) and drummer/producer Scott Rosenthal – both members of Brooklyn indie-pop band Beverly – bring a more traditional pop sensibility to the mix. These opposing styles challenge and complement each other, resulting in a sound full of tension. Lyrically, York explores the complexities and contradictions of modern life. The track "Compromised" asks how one can reconcile material desires with the wish to be seen as a good person. A change of pace with the very groovy "My Head" aims to block out external noise to remain true to one's inner creative force. But even as the band deconstructs received ideas about relationships, creativity, or capitalism, Public Practice doesn't forget that it's important to have fun, and they want you to have fun too. After all, who needs a platform when you can express yourself on the dance floor?