The Iowa City, Iowa, band’s new album, “Work To Do”, has a polished sound that begins with a solid get-happy/dance-now immediacy and resolves with a roots-bass on/off-time dub influenced ambience. The production of each song suits Public Property very well; reggae of this caliber is meant for the live experience, and the feeling comes through this disk, into your headphones, as if the listener was there with the band. At the start of it, the first lyrics heard are “Get ready….” Make no mistake of song placement, here. It could be coincidence; nonetheless, one listen of this record will convince fans that Public Property has grasped their sound tighter than a one-drop. Those who are hearing this for the first time need to get ready; the new leaf to turn over.
In the last year, the group has gone through a few changes in members, yet they have kept momentum a priority and rocked reggae to each town awaiting Public Property’s next show. “Movement” was the 2006 release; home of several local hits and common requests, such as “Follow,” “On My Way,” and “Breakdown.” The 2006 record is full of brilliant writing, clever instrumental precision, and a constant steady flow of feel-good, politically awakening, substance from one tune to the next. Although the quality is impressive, the “Movement” disc lacks a certain level of professionalism that “Work To Do” makes look easy. A more vivid production quality is what Public Property followers have been waiting for; a well-deserved tip of the hat for the time, patience, and resourcefulness taken in effort to create such a sound.
In addition to the general grade of the album, vocals on this album have grown individually and collectively; there is a new sense of maturity in lead singer, David Bess’, tone and confidence. After performances with such legends as Toots and the Maytals, Public Property has reached out with the title track of the new album featuring the one and only Frederick “Toots” Hibbert.
Politically, this record is a shared voice of the people. Musically, each track encourages the listener to dance until they wake up to a new day. Public Property has done their work and created a phenomenal album; more need to hear of its existence. Several new songs are absolute hits, on a wider scale than their past releases. The future of reggae looks forward to their successful journey.
* Hear more of them at www.publicprop.com
Great review for the Public Property album Work To Do…just catching up to it now. I discovered the band on New Year’s Eve at the Englert Civic Theatre in Iowa City. We have a clip from the evening up on our blog. Hope to share more of it soon.