Pearla - “Daydream”

SXSW 2020 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 3

Pairs Well With…Aldous Harding, Lucius, Phoebe Bridgers

Dreamy folk pop tends to be a pretty tight box, so it’s notable how much range Pearla is able to cover over her rich, debut EP Quilting & Other Activities. Alt country ballad “Quilting” lies tastefully with “Daydream”,  an airy indie pop track that builds with lush soundscapes interceding throughout. “Forgive Yourself” puts Pearl’s textured, alto vocal out front aided by experimental sound layers by song’s end and “Somewhere” even adds some subtle industrial percussion to a bouncy sung melody. All of these twists give Quilting & Other Activities life. At their core, these songs would still resonate at pretty, emotive lullabies, but Pearla’s smart expansions are what make her an exciting artist for now and for the future. (Kevin McStravick)