Zoe Reynolds, better known as Kississippi, came out with her second full album, Mood Ring, on August 6 via Triple Crown Records. The album is aptly named for the pensive bundle of smiles that Reynolds’ voice showcases.
Reynolds is part of the fresh wave of indie-emo-instrumental pop. In simple terms, Kississippi’s sound could easily be described as Robyn meets Sleater-Kinney. But to do Reynolds’ music some justice, each song on Mood Ring is like a vampire butterfly flapping its wings for the first time.
Mood Ring is a love note to Reynolds’ friends. During a period of self-isolation (pre-pandemic), Reynolds approached each song as a figurative olive branch to reconnect with herself with her relationships. Just as important, many songs are a reflection of Reynolds sifting through the sand and re-discovering a love for herself.
“A lot of the true joy and magic happened when I let myself open up and write with other people,” says Reynolds when reflecting on her recording sessions with Sarah Tudzin (illuminati hotties), Derek Ted (Great Grandpa), and Marshall Vore (Phoebe Bridgers, Connor Oberst).
Collaborating with such industry professionals gave Reynolds the confidence to push her voice further, to become the most powerful and emotive songwriter and performer she could be.
“I felt like I had fully evolved as an artist, and I owe that to all of them,” she says. “Wild things can happen when you get in a studio with someone who inspires you!”
The highs of Mood Ring are unstoppable, and the fervid ballads are heartbreaking. For Reynolds, Mood Ring’s closer, “Hellbent” cuts the deepest. While preparing for her upcoming tour, Reynolds found herself choking up trying to get through the song. “Hellbent” was written to remember a dear friend of hers, who also used to play in the band, and who passed away several months ago.
The rest of the album, whether the song is exciting or poignant, was made for those of us who express our feelings like Jimmy Pesto, Jr.: through dance! This vibe is complemented by Kississippi’s bright, glittery indie-disco aesthetic, felt throughout the album’s heart, art, and music videos.
Mood Ring’s ideal listening setting, Reynolds says, is while, “smoking a fat blunt on a long late night drive while counting stars with your other emotional friends.”
Mood Ring is stellar and dreamy and a great fit for all euphoric lovers.
As Reynolds says: “It’s hard not to fall in love when we’re so in tune.”
Watch the video for “We’re So In Tune” here:
For more from Kississippi, find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Spotify.
Photo courtesy of Kississippi and Tyler Borchardt.
