The debut EP from New York band Public Practice, Distance is a Mirror, is a confident, juried testimony of love steeped in dark optimism. Dry, deadpan vocals chant over skittish guitar and danceable 70s groovessongs snapping like rubber bandsseesawing between post-punk and its insomniac twin sister disco. With contradicting references as overt as Talking Heads (without the shoulders), but as specific as Haruomi Hosono of Yellow Magic Orchestra (with some polka dots), the band is carrying a funky torch that does not get lit too often.

Sam Yorks lyrics reflect the city and its contradictions they are personal, funny, cryptic and surreal, but never truly pessimistic, rotating around an individuals toxic but symbiotic relationship with perception.

By the end of the short and bitter-sweet 4-song EP, punctuated by Sam Yorks sign-off of no you cant take it back now, Public Practice anchors themselves as a new band with wisdom like their influences, bringing songs distinctly fresh as they are familiar. Public Practice will privately change your mind about where guitar music is going. Tired of the familiar? Seeing dots? Wake up!