Djo is the musical project of American actor and musician Joe Keery. It first gained traction with his debut album Twenty Twenty in 2019, followed by 2022’s DECIDE which marked a significant rise in popularity thanks to the breakout track End Of Beginning. That album explored themes of self-identity, fame, and change and saw Djo adopt a deliberate disguise as a creative choice and a way to maintain distance from his public persona. The retro-futuristic aesthetic became a defining part of Djo’s sound and image.
With his latest album The Crux, Djo sheds the mask. The record introduces a more mature sound and sees him stepping into his vulnerability with intention. No longer hiding behind an alias or concept, Djo delivers a body of work that feels deeply personal, inviting listeners into his emotional world track by track. It’s a pivotal moment where Djo seems to find his footing, not just musically, but in how he chooses to present himself as an artist.
The opening track, Lonesome Is A State Of Mind, sets the tone for the album, blending retro voicemail-style samples with acoustic guitar and soft, melancholic vocals. As the track swells into a chorus that mixes upbeat instrumentation with bittersweet lyrics like, “Thought that you were on my side / Lonesome is a state of mind”, Djo begins his journey through self-awareness and emotional growth. The track’s outro, dominated by synths and drums, signals the album’s exploration of both introspection and musical experimentation. Then, on Basic Being Basic, Djo takes aim at the digital age with its punchy synth-driven soundscapes and glitchy vocal effects. The upbeat track is a playful commentary on the absurdities of hyper-curated, hyper-digital existence, offering both satirical humour and an underlying sense of emotional whiplash. The blend of humour and social commentary is characteristic of Djo’s approach to blending pop sensibilities with deeper reflections on modern life.
Link channels an ’80s vibe, its funky guitar riffs bringing to mind bands like The Police. The track offers a nostalgic yet fresh energy, a signature of Djo’s ability to seamlessly weave past and present influences. Meanwhile, Potion presents a more whimsical side with layered vocals and an orchestral sound that evokes the feeling of being caught between wakefulness and a dreamlike state. It’s a track about longing, love, and searching for meaning in small, everyday moments. Delete Ya brings the listener into a groove-driven track continuing with the ’80s nostalgia, exploring themes of love and loss. Djo grapples with the grief of a relationship that has left an indelible mark on his sense of self, perfectly capturing the bittersweet nature of love’s lasting impact.
Egg, one of the album’s standout tracks, is musically intricate. It draws on the soundscapes from DECIDE while diving deep into existential musings. With its slower pace, the song reflects on modern pressures, blending surrealistic imagery with a sense of feeling inadequate. Lyrics like “Wish you could be somebody else” tap into universal feelings of self-doubt. At the same time, the track’s psychedelic influences call to mind Pink Floyd’s introspective soundscapes. On Fly, Djo uses a gentle metaphor for letting go, both of a person and of the self that needed them. The track is reflective, with lines like “No, I don’t look back in anger”, evoking a sense of peace and closure. The atmospheric sound of turning pages underscores the theme of moving on.
Charlie’s Garden is another highlight. Its bright instrumentals are reminiscent of the Beatles’ upbeat sound. Featuring a special voice note from Stranger Things co-star Charlie Heaton, the track speaks to friendship, transition, and peace, with a trumpet-driven outro adding an extra layer of warmth. Gap Tooth Smile then takes on a more eclectic vibe, with tambourine undertones and a vocal style reminiscent of David Bowie. During its chorus, it pays homage to Freddie Mercury. The track is playful, quirky, and intimate, wrapping itself in the unique details that define Djo’s artistic voice.
Golden Line offers a stripped-back piano ballad that stands as the album’s emotional core. With lyrics that reflect sincere vulnerability, “My intention was to make you proud”, and “I do it all for you”, the track showcases Djo’s capacity for raw emotional expression. It’s a beautiful moment of earnestness amidst the album’s more experimental moments. Back On You introduces a gospel choir intro before flipping into a funky groove, demonstrating Djo’s ability to blend contrasting elements. The track feels like a celebration of contrast and complexity, showing his growing confidence in exploring new sounds and themes.
The album closes with Crux, a reflective, longing track that sums up the album’s exploration of emotional growth and connection. The lyric “There’s a crux to everything / Not everybody’s contemplating it” serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of life and the differing ways people engage with its deeper meanings.
Throughout the album, it felt like a time capsule, not just in how it echoes the sound of the ’60s to ’80s with a modern twist but also in how it reflects different personal moments. It plays like a collection of memories for Djo, each track offering a glimpse into his experiences and emotions. From start to finish, it’s a fun and enjoyable listen that feels timeless and will be on rotation throughout the summer months.
For fans of: Mac DeMarco, Tame Impala, The Police, The Beatles
‘The Crux’ by Djo is out now on AWAL Recordings.
Words by Zena Morris
