Gentle Grip
by Public Practice
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 8
  3. Negative: 0 out of 8
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  1. Dusted Magazine
    Jul 1, 2020
    80
    These songs are meant for dancing. The pieces are sharp, but they fit together in irresistibly body-moving ways. The music stretches out in easy hedonism then judders to a freeze tag stop, holds a pose just long enough that you can admire it, and jitters on from there.
  2. New Musical Express (NME)
    May 26, 2020
    80
    It gives an alternative to Lipa’s super-polished pop take on the shimmying sounds of the ‘70s, feeling delightfully handmade as it struts through 12 sublime tracks that transport you out of the four walls of your home and into a world much sparklier, sweatier and fun.
  3. Under The Radar
    May 26, 2020
    80
    Gentle Grip is an eclectic and thrilling ride and breathes new life into art-pop, avant-funk, and disco-infused guitar rock.
  5. DIY Magazine
    May 26, 2020
    80
    With one foot in the classic NYC underground scenes that paved the way, ‘Underneath’ is pure bass-led, disco ball-flecked Studio 54, while the dance-punk footprints of ESG are all over ‘Cities’’ irrepressible hook and ‘Compromised’ tips a hat to godmother Debbie Harry. ‘Gentle Grip’ sounds timeless.
  6. Paste Magazine
    May 26, 2020
    76
    While the album is successful at crafting smart and danceable music, it lacks the fervor that defined their 2018 EP. This isn’t to say there aren’t gripping moments of sonic intensity on Gentle Grip that more than satisfy the more frenetic yearnings of Distance Is a Mirror.
  7. The Line of Best Fit
    May 26, 2020
    65
    Its best moments also its most agitated. For those of us keen on more of the same from York and co, let's just hope she keeps her beady eye on the anxieties of the everyday and not on paying a visit to outerspace.

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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. Ricko
    Sep 4, 2020
    8
    Public Practice have a raw energy about their sound that oozes cool. The songs are built around intriguing percussion rhythms and great bassPublic Practice have a raw energy about their sound that oozes cool. The songs are built around intriguing percussion rhythms and great bass riffs. On top of this is some cool new wave guitars (think Talking Heads or that vintage) and a vocal delivery that brings Debbie Harry to mind. In fact both Talking Heads and Blondie can take an amount of credit for the sound of "Gentle Grip" but to be fair to Public Practice, they are bringing a dose of 2020 craziness to that unmistakable New York vibe. A notable characteristic of the album is that it gets better as its goes on with the band saving their best tracks for the second half of the album. Put on "Compromised" turned up loud and tell me you didn't start dancing like you were in CBGB.… Full Review »
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