Muso's Guide posts another wonderful review of the Public Access EP:

"Ima Robot - Public Access EP

While there is a recent surge of “garage” or “indie” rock sounding bands that simply strip their sound down to basic rock and roll while throwing some punk in the mix, not many can do it well. Ima Robot on the other hand, can. Not only do they incorporate some of the above stylings but they also throw in their brand of electro-pop, which makes the tracks very catchy and at times infectious.

The energy that this band brings is huge. With their first major label release, the Public Access EP gives the listener a raw yet extremely polished vibe. Their sound is reminiscent of the 80’s with spontaneous, and at times, silly vocals. This EP was released in the UK as an introduction to the band before releasing their full-length album world wide later in 2003.
The members of Ima Robot all at one time used to be session musicians for people like The Mars Volta, Johnny Cash, Tori Amos and the Smashing Pumpkins to name a few, for over a decade. This experience and talent allows the band to incorporate so many different influences into this extremely creative collective.

Each song is quirky and fast paced with each having its own silly storyline. In 12=3 (Here Come The Doctors), Ima Robot shows the listener their programming ability and their enjoyment of the keyboard and samples. Hard hitting drums and the electro sound really reminds the listener of the entire new wave scene.

Then the robots hit us with Black Jettas, a track that one can really not help but feel good when listening to it. It is a typical feel-good song despite the lead singer talking about fearing his ex-girlfriend and that all black Jettas are out to get him. They particularly add more programming in this one with racecar sound effects to give the listener a true feel of the situation.

The extremely short, Sex Symbols On Parade is basically 1:45 of heavy, fast, raw sound. The song addresses issues related to television and media in general as well as the singer’s own love life to a limited extent.

The EP rounds out very nicely with The Beat Goes On which really shows the bands new wave influence. The Joy Division sound really gets the feet tapping for sure.

This album certainly has character as well as the guys that wrote and recorded it. They are robots for goodness sakes. I feel that Virgin records signed these guys with the intentions of propelling them into the mainstream and making this the nu, new wave. As with everything else in music, that particular genre has come full circle and is now making somewhat of a comeback.

While at first listen this EP may seem strange, give it a few more spins and it really grows on you. The full-length album is definitely on my list of highly anticipated albums of the year. If you are looking for a unique blend of artists and creative energy, then you can stop looking after you pick up this album.

Rated 90%

Brian Duncan"