Atlanta-based artist Joshua Pearlstein continues his penchant for heartfelt pop energy on newly released single “Prize.” The Berklee-trained songwriter blends vibey synth textures with a soulful, soaring vocal performance that reflects his admiration for music innovators that move pop music beyond the typical artifice and into cinematic heights. Moving between gritty movement and melodic vibrancy, this self-driven release highlights his rapidly ascending status.
A sporadic unveiling captivates initially, as playful synth perkiness and wordless vocal effects intertwine with infectious intrigue. A buzzier, constant synth backing and pulsing rhythmic charm then unfold as Pearlstein’s charismatic vocal lead emerges. “You been messing with my flow night after night,” his vocals let out, initially debonair yet accelerating seamlessly into the “my heart is racing” soulful soaring. The ensuing “you’re my prize … you’re the rhythm of my soul” smitten declaration continues to compel, punctuated by a harmonious vocal bridge thereafter.
“Give it to me, my love,” Pearlstein yearns during an especially catchy sequence, dazzling during a final minute that interweaves expressive vocal layers amidst a head-nodding percussive vigor. The “rhythm of my soul” vocal elongation into the more subdued “prize, prize, prize” refrain makes for a wholly replay-inducing sequence as the track comes to a close, and easily tempts listeners to hit the ‘Play’ button again. “Prize” is another memorable showing from Joshua Pearlstein, who caught our ears last year with the tracks “Just the Feeling” and “What U Freakin’.”
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We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
