The classically trained jazz musician turned cosmic pop visionary has crafted an intriguing sonic palimpsest here, one that layers handpan rhythms and piano textures against synthesized atmospherics with the kind of meticulous attention to detail that suggests genuine artistic vision rather than mere commercial calculation. What emerges from this "pure, intuitive channeling"—as she describes her creative process—is music that functions as both entertainment and spiritual technology, inviting listeners toward what she terms "authentic self-connection."

What's most striking about SOUL is how it manages to inhabit the mainstream pop space while maintaining an undercurrent of genuine mysticism. The layered vocals create gossamer webs of harmony that recall both Kate Bush's otherworldly theatrics and the more grounded spirituality of Solange's recent work. Meanwhile, the handpan—an instrument that provides both cosmic resonance and earthbound pulse—creates percussive patterns that anchor the more ethereal elements while maintaining the "multidimensional" quality that Starry Venus seeks.

The production, handled by Starry Venus herself, demonstrates a keen understanding of space and texture. Synthesizers breathe and pulse rather than simply fill gaps, while string arrangements provide emotional scaffolding without overwhelming the delicate ecosystem she's constructed. There's a hypnotic quality to these rhythms that suggests influences ranging from Massive Attack's trip-hop blueprints to the ceremonial music traditions of various indigenous cultures.

Her multidisciplinary background—encompassing performance art, visual art, film, and screenwriting alongside her musical evolution with Kira Mele—proves invaluable here. The touring and recording experience evident in arrangements that feel lived-in rather than theoretical. This isn't bedroom pop masquerading as profundity; it's the work of someone who understands both the mechanics of songcraft and the alchemical process of transforming personal revelation into what she calls "soul embodiment and expanded consciousness connections."

The EP's ambitions extend beyond the purely musical, with promises of "provocative music videos and dance remixes" that position SOUL as the opening gambit in a larger multimedia project. Given Starry Venus's background in filmmaking—her directorial debut Starborn has garnered international acclaim—this cross-pollination of mediums feels organic rather than opportunistic.

SOUL succeeds because it takes its spiritual conceits seriously without becoming precious about them. When Starry Venus invites listeners to "release limits, embrace the moment, and open your heart to the infinite possibilities of love, life, and the universe," it doesn't feel like marketing copy—it feels like genuine artistic mission. In an era where authenticity often feels performed, she has created something that feels genuinely transformative—pop music that doesn't shy away from the transcendent possibilities of sound. It's a remarkable debut that suggests even more compelling work to come.

SOUL is available now on all streaming platforms.