Hot off the heels of their last slew of shows, which followed shortly after opening for Mehro on his tour, Oakland-born singer King Isis is back to dropping new music with their latest single, “Dissonance.” Alongside childhood friend and producer Jaden Wiggins, who also produced their sister EPs scales and shed, King Isis continues to use grunge-rock and other genres as a meter for exploring a wide range of emotions, successfully capturing the complexity of our identities.
“’Dissonance’ is a song about embracing the differences that make us whole, that make us who we are,” said Isis. “It leans into the ‘other,’ a celebration of the pieces of selves that we may feel adverse to or are socially rejected. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to conform and present in ways that were outside of myself to appease the perceptions of others.”
Employing a drum pattern that repeatedly punches you in the face, the single follows King Isis’ lead in more ways than one, whether it’s matching their intensity or the guitar coming to a grinding halt when she stops singing. However, the lyrics give the song its weight, with lines such as “I’m in love with difference / She makes me real” speaking to the gradual grappling over one’s identity.
Where scales and shed used snakes as a metaphor for personal growth, “Dissonance” tackles the topic head-on while carrying over the strong grunge sound prevalent in their recent output. In the climactic ending, Isis ditches the traditional song structure in favor of airing out their feelings without any filter, a welcomed display of honesty that shows their willingness to bare their spirit.
Although a relatively short track, “Dissonance” leaves as much of an impression as an entire EP. Considering they debuted less than two years ago, King Isis has been keeping busy this year. On top of the release of shed, their supporting slot for Mehro’s tour, and “Dissonance” wrap up a momentous first half of the year.
“This is a song about being happy and full in my own, however that shows up. It’s embracing the tension and uneasiness in self and communal discovery, just loving yourself fully and those around you who embrace that difference.”
ARTISTS YOU SHOULD KNOW
BEST NEW MUSIC
Words: David Sosa
“Dissonance” by King Isis is out now on all streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow them on Instagram and Bandcamp.
This post may contain affiliate links. Ads and affiliate links are how independent blogs like Grimy Goods can operate. Thank you for supporting our work and being a part of our music community.
