VISSIA’s “Live, With Pleasure” is a captivating live album and concert documentary that immerses listeners in the exhilarating experience of her 2021 cross-Canada tour. It’s a huge achievement to pull off and they’ve done so with aplomb.
Filmed during performances supporting the Canadian alternative band USS, “Live, With Pleasure” features dynamic live renditions of every song from VISSIA’s acclaimed 2021 album “With Pleasure.” The album is more than just a collection of live tracks; it’s a narrative journey filled with behind-the-scenes footage that offers a window into the life of a dedicated touring artist.
Highlights include the empowering anthem “My Wom,” where VISSIA’s lyrics celebrate strength and self-assurance: “My wom don’t settle for crumbs / She takes the whole damn cake… She’s only doing what feels right, keepin’ it tight, movin’ with the music.” Another standout, “Walk Me Home,” poignantly explores themes of vulnerability and the need for support: “Nothing’s wrong with being strong, but I don’t need to carry it all / Sometimes I need somebody to walk me home.”
The production quality of “Live, With Pleasure” is exceptional, with a Dolby Atmos mix available on Apple Music and TIDAL, enhancing the auditory experience and bringing the live energy to life. The stereo version ensures that the powerful essence of VISSIA’s performance is accessible to all listeners.
Through intimate spoken word pieces, such as the title track “With Pleasure,” VISSIA reflects on her journey: “Touring this record felt like an embodiment of what this album feels like to me: exciting and raw and sometimes terrifying, underscored by playfulness and a desire for connection.”
“Live, With Pleasure” is a testament to VISSIA’s resilience and dedication as an independent artist. It’s a milestone that offers fans an immersive experience of her music, capturing the spirit of her live performances and the passion that drives her creative journey. You won’t see many artists at her scale being able to pull off something like this at this scale.