Though he is most known for his acting, Joe Keery is also a very successful musician. Keery has been releasing music under the name Djo for several years, and his synth-led electronic sound has become well known, with his track ‘End of Beginning’ becoming widely popular in 2024.
His third album, ‘The Crux’ is more of an ambitious journey of self-discovery, holding themes of love, nostalgia, vulnerability, and fame. Joe Keery is no longer ‘Steve from Stranger Things’; he is a musical force to be reckoned with, taking inspiration from MGMT, Tame Impala and Talking Heads for this album.
The influence of Tame Impala is evident in the album’s opener, ‘Lonesome Is a State of Mind.’ Djo contemplates his loneliness with a sweet acoustic intro. Despite the happy feel of the song, his lyrics show a pained edge. Still, at ease with that air of playfulness and chirping harmonics, some powered-up drums come in for Djo’s closing statement. “The future’s over don’t drag me anymore, I’m done. No, you’re not lonely when you’re hanging with yourself.”
The first single, released back in January, ‘Basic Being Basic’ offers something completely different from the opening track. The upbeat, infectious hooks contrast to ‘Lonesome Is a State of Mind.’ It’s playful with sharp lyrics that seem fitting for this time. The song challenges social norms with a satirical edge, while also being an upbeat, danceable tune.
I love the late-era Beatles touch on this album. It reminds me of the Magical Mystery Tour era with its playfulness and experimentation. ‘Charlie’s Garden’ and ‘Gap Tooth Smile’ are both songs that focus more on the instrumentation rather than the lyrics which adds to the playfulness.
You can hear Djo’s musical growth in the record’s polished production as well as it’s more personal lyrics, which reflect on love and connection. He wrote or co-wrote every song and co-produced each track alongside Adam Thein, playing many of the instruments himself, from mellotron to percussion. This album is a great representation of Djo reshaping his music into something more modern but with a nostalgic twist.
Something I wasn’t expecting was the choir at the beginning of ‘Back on You.’ The song is a beautiful tribute to his sisters and all those around him who have been there for him. It’s the longest song on the album at five minutes and 24 seconds; considering this, it might be the strongest song on the album. Not just for the emotional pull, but the song’s build is what makes it solid and strong. I love it when an artist does something so unexpected; it shows Djo’s ability to adapt and challenge himself.
The title track and album closer ‘Crux’ is warm and stripped back, concluding on a choir-backed chorus repeatedly echoing the lyrics ‘get back to your heart but only if you get it back again’. The final track ties together the lyrical themes tackling self-discovery whilst sticking more to the laid-back acoustic elements of the album.
Djo: The Crux – 4 April 2025 (AWAL)
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