Kisses

Kisses makes music that sounds like a vintage postcard found in a dusty drawer. It is shimmering, melodic synth-pop that captures the specific intersection of luxury and loneliness. The sound is defined by warm analog synthesizers, steady drum machine pulses, and Jesse Kivel's soft, almost whispered vocal delivery that feels like a secret shared in a quiet corner.

What sets them apart is their commitment to a specific aesthetic of 'sophisti-pop' filtered through a 21st-century indie lens. While many chillwave artists leaned into murky lo-fi textures, Kisses opted for a cleaner, more rhythmic approach that nods to 80s new wave and disco without ever feeling like a parody. There is a gentle irony in their lyrics, often exploring themes of wealth, leisure, and the emptiness of the high life.

Start with 'Bermuda' for the ultimate introduction to their tropical-tinged nostalgia, then move to 'Funny Heartbeat' to hear their more driving, rhythmic side. Their music is the perfect companion for moments when you want to feel sophisticated yet slightly detached from the world around you.