SOUL Review

SOUL by STARRY VENUS is a folk pop project with some psychedelic and electronic influences. This project’s mix of genres make it a real trip to listen to. The vocalist’s performance is so emotive, it allows the soul of the tracks to come through behind all the experimental production, giving the EP a soul from beginning to end. The first track, Stars, introduces us to the tones of the project with this ballad about finding joy and euphoria in becoming one with the universe.

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The vocals utilise this heavy autotune, lending to this spaced-out, psychedelic atmosphere. There are often several layers of harmony happening at one moment, more so using the voice like an instrument. These harmonies explore the range of the track’s melody and play into the emotion of the lyrics in a more raw and candid way, beyond words. Behind the vocals, there is this wall of synths that morph and switch as the track evolves. It feels very reactive and personal, calibrated to the ebbs and flows of the track’s narrative overall. Every now and then subtle runs and embellishments help to give the piece further depth and enrich its sonic tapestry. 

Tracks like Million Years take a different approach, leaning more into the folky genre with these bright and breezy guitars. The strumming ties down the rhythm as well as aiding the vocals in establishing the melody. This gives the track a candid energy, as if it were done in one take and sung straight from the heart. 

Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed with the stylish and genre bending approach from STARRY VENUS. The project is psychedelic and relaxed in a way that feels approachable to the listener. The production is bold and reactive, moulding and forming around the vocals and emotional tone more broadly. The sonic honesty and narrative resonance make this a project that is worth a listen.