PSk (EP) (Essential, 2014)

Recording an amazingly great song can be both a blessing and a curse. It's clearly a big plus that PawnShop kings included the gospel shouter, "Love like Jesus" on the duo's EP. The downside, however, is that everything else pales in comparison to it.

With that said, though, let's focus on the positive. On a musical level, "Love like Jesus" begins quietly with a swampy instrumental intro, which is followed immediately by the kings' fantastic harmonies. Ah, but it only gets better! The song continues to build with its pounding rhythm and alternating instrumental additions. Then, at its passionate apex, "Love like Jesus" evolves into a hand-clapping, gospel choir, Staples Singers workout that will take even the most hardened atheist to church.

The rest of this EP mostly reveals PawnShop kings' more low key side. However, the project's runner-up track is "Make Me Whole," which finds the duo praying for God's continued sanctification in the believer's life. Although it's not as foot-stomping-ly upbeat as "Love like Jesus," it nevertheless carries a powerful and emotionally moving message.

With both of its stellar song highlights, PawnShop kings is a bargain at any price.