Otis Kane is a Los Angeles-based producer and multi-instrumentalist. His latest release is a 6-track project entitled Love Is Alive. The body of work showcases his songwriting, vocal range and his production skills to the fullest. Having built a foundation and name for himself by working with luminaries such as Nellee Hopper, Nick Jonas, Wiz Khalifa and Julia Michaels and playing the keyboard for Lolene’s band. Love Is Alive serves as Kane’s sophomore EP.

From the first listen, one can say Otis Kane knows his onions and is cut from a different cloth. He embodies the genuine spirit of R&B, the pure emotions of neo soul, the charisma of contemporary pop and the dynamism of alternative music. The first track, “Whatever You Like,” takes listeners into a warm, comforting place. Bolstered by atmospheric chords, scenic strings and pulsating bass-laden grooves, Otis Kane delivers a solid vocal performance laced with alluring melodic runs punctuated by soulful expressions that rise to the peak on the chorus section. On “I’ll Never Say No- Interlude,” he flexes his musical range with a classical music-inspired piece that oozes bliss with a bittersweet energy that sets the stage for “I’ll Never Say No,” featuring rising LA-based musician Aaron Childs. The result is a bluesy/neosoul offering that captures the timeless Motown spirit with a modern touch. From the slick blues guitar licks, Northern soul textures and vocal stylings to the heartfelt songwriting, the duo deliver their A-game in copious amounts. This seems to be my favourite track as it evokes nostalgia and, most importantly, it shows musical versatility. The lyrics and topic are relatable and talk about deep human connection and unconditional love that we all yearn for. The next track, “Roses,” is one of the lead singles and is another superb pop/soul offering with a touch of funk. Kane’s falsetto is captivating on the bridge, and the verses are poetically powerful. On the other hand, the bassline on the chorus reminds me of something Thundercat would play.

Even though Love Is Alive is short, it packs a punch, and here, Kane continues to push the musical envelope throughout. A good example is the summery beach pop/modern soul atmosphere on “Alive” where he duets with singer CASASNTI and together they deliver the perfect uplifting love song for couples that have found their perfect match and are ready to seize the day with love. The final track “Give Me A Sign” raises the ante with a cinematic and somewhat mody backdrop laced with slick guitar plucks, strings and a bouncy groove underpinned by Kane’s characteristic laidback vocals. Here, he beckons to his love interest to give him a sign as he sings “Let’s fly away to Venus, floating till the clouds get closer/Let nothing come between us/it’s you and  me till the world is over.”

Summary, just hit the play button on, Love Is Alive and let Otis Kane take you to another musical plateau.