The Beat Magazine
Movement review
November, 2006
Iowa’s Public Property jumps back in the ring with Movement (Public Property). Tight band arrangements with soaring Hammond B-3, bass and drum, intricate intertwined guitars weaving through sweet harmonies from backing vocalists Margaret Larson and Mareva Minerbi, tasty percussion and even a dash of ukulele, the group has a sound that is full-tilt reggae even though they don’t try to sing in fake patois and write original material that actually sounds original. Lots of syncopated rhythm breaks, bursts of pure groove and passionate musical interludes flesh out songs written by various band members including “Everyone is Africa”, “Lay Low”, “Footprints” and (explain this one) “Kangaroo Loveshack”.
Parental guidance recommended (for the lyrics, not the message) on single-entendre girl-chat talking blues “When A Boy” and rap attack “Break Down”. The former may not be radio friendly but it’s rudie/cutie (the kind of song that would have never made it to disc in the pre-independent “major label” days but definitely shows another side of the band). The latter is a cry from the heartland that (along with the uncompromising title track) shows the mental midgets at Opinion Media giant Fox Pravda and George’s Dick don’t quite hold the sway they assume. All in all you get the definite feel of a self-contained band that’s used to playing live on this energetic and enjoyable release.
by Chuck Foster