A gripping live album from Lí-Lí Octave, Play on Venus (Live) combines soulful vocal dynamics with stirring instrumentation. The artist describes the release as “my take on the female perspective and what we as women experience in everyday situations.” Relatable insight on the human experience consumes — from love-making and celebration of personal individuality, to capturing the struggle of controlling thoughts/words and seeking a drive for motivation. Lí-Lí Octave’s performance, which took place at Jazz ‘n Dine 2024, is consistently enveloping.
“Wait (For Your Love)” commences the set with a dreamy, soulful build — traversing seamlessly from smooth bass into balmy guitars and tasteful piano, concocting a chilly Lynchian atmospheric pull. Lyrics exude awaiting affection — “if you loved me, you would show it,” — as sporadic bursts of rhythmic energy emerge. “Now I’m leaving you with no remorse,” Lí-Lí Octave sings with powerful effect, cementing a decision to break through with a melancholic yet cathartic impact; it makes for a fantastic kick-off to an album full of compelling emotion.
“This is a steamy song,” the artist confesses as the ensuing “Lay It Down” arrives, emitting a seductive range of sweltering vocals and lyricism — lamenting the pursuits of a “hopeless romantic,” amidst palpable yearning: “I am the essence of your fantasy.” Percussive pit-pattering and mellow guitars highlight the fierce vocal presence, enthralling in its overall intensity, particularly as the “you got me sinking,” lines are bolstered by a dreamy reflective backing.
A more invigorating open shows on “You Scared,” strutting a jazzy rhythmic intensity within bursts of guitars and lush piano. The track then makes a lovely maneuver into a soulful enamoring, as Lí-Lí Octave announces the “second part of Jazz ‘n Dine 2024.” Her tendency to open tracks with charismatic, welcoming messaging consistently appeals in driving into quality songwriting, evident on “You Scared” especially with its dynamic range between brisk infectiousness and serene intrigue.
A smitten sense of adoration shows on “Work of Art,” where the vocals proclaim someone as having a title-referencing greatness and brightness. “You are royal and so divine,” the vocals marvel, melding into encouragements of retaining one’s strong spirit through those that hold doubt and jealousy; it makes for an affecting track that speaks to the power of women and individuality, within a world that often drives for people to conform.
A confident, funky vigor continues the feelings of self-empower on album finale “Top of the World.” “When I’m smiling, it’s not a show,” the vocals reveal, emitting a glistening diamond-like self-description as triumphant brass emerges; it’s a fantastic finale to a powerful album from Lí-Lí Octave, consistently resonating in its confident invigoration and melding of soulful jazz, rock, and pop elements.
