Review / 200 Words Or Less
Kississippi
Sunset Blush

Alcopop! Records (2018) — Kristen Swanson

Kississippi – Sunset Blush cover artwork
Kississippi – Sunset Blush — Alcopop! Records, 2018

Philly duo Kississippi released their anticipated debut album Sunset Blush and unlike some records, it lived up to the hype. The album starts off with the song “Once Good,” perfectly blending elements of indie and folk with Zoë Reynolds’ voice beautifully texturing the track. “Cut Yr Teeth” is a sonically dreamy track complete with stellar lyrics. Reynolds is mesmerizing as the vocalist of the band—despite having a distinct sound, it’s hard to pinpoint her tone which adds another depth of dimension to the album as a whole. 

“Easier to Love” competes with the top mainstream pop tracks, but lyrically and vocally stand stronger than standard radio music while remaining undeniably catchy. “Mirror Kisser” delivers electropop vibes while “Shamer” perfects the art of simplicity. Similarly with “Who Said It First,” the tempo of the song showcases Reynolds' range along with the music as a whole. Kississippi explores different music styles not just within the album’s entirety, but sometimes within the same track—it’s fresh and inspiring. For a debut album, the band has managed to accomplish and pull off what some seasoned bands are still striving to achieve. 

Kississippi – Sunset Blush cover artwork
Kississippi – Sunset Blush — Alcopop! Records, 2018

Related news

Kississippi and Alex G members present Puppy Angst

Posted in Records on September 4, 2022

News outta Kississippi

Posted in Bands on October 8, 2020

Recently-posted album reviews

Softjaw

Love Can't Kill You
Bachelor Records, Dandy Boy Records (2026)

I already wrote about these dudes in my mid-year top 5 since Oakland’s Dandy Boy Records released a compilation of their early digital singles back in April, and here they are following it up with a 12-song album of all new material! This second release proves Long Beach’s Softjaw have a masters in powerpop from the school of rock. I’m … Read more

Fontaines D.C.

Dopamine Chamber
XL Recordings (2026)

EP HIGHLIGHTS – “Tongue”, “Where Is Gone?”, “You Miss Me”, “Japan” If you’ve been here from the start, Fontaines D.C. will always conjure up gritty, political poetry and clashing, driving rhythms. Third album Skinty Fia, the defining breakthrough moment and fan favourite, gave them their first number one record in the UK and Ireland in 2022 – but can they … Read more

DeeCracks

True Nothing
Pirates Press (2026)

Let’s get crazy and out of control! That’s what the opening line of the album instructs us to do and I’m inclined to listen. I am new to the DeeCRACKS party and I’m not sure how I missed them. Celebrating 20 years in 2023, the band released 20 Years. A Frantic Effort, and I’m sure this newest release fully delivers … Read more