Joe Keerey is best known as an actor in the role of Steve Harrington on Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” Recently, he’s been attracting attention through his other persona: Djo.
Pronounced “Joe,” Keerey’s alter ego gained popularity after his song “End of Beginning” went viral on TikTok. The track is off Djo’s sophomore album, Decide, released in 2022, though Keerey debuted musically in 2019 with Twenty Twenty.
In his previous albums, Keerey separated his public images, performing in wigs and sunglasses and staying off album covers. Reflected in his music, Twenty Twenty’s synthpop carries an introspective feeling, while Decide looks outward toward fame and the media. In his latest, The Crux, Keerey emerges as someone more human.
The album opens with “Lonesome is a State of Mind” as a slow, immersive start that then picks up, feeding into the lead single, “Basic Being Basic.” Released in January, the track carries an ‘80s vibe with its reliance on synthesizers, a consistent element in Djo’s music.
The third track, “Link,” continues the coming-of-age storyline, opening with a quick beat and emphasizing the album’s personal tone. It’s followed by “Potion,” a heartfelt love song carried by acoustics influenced by Fleetwood Mac’s soft-rock sound.
The second single, “Delete Ya,” reintroduces the ‘80s with nostalgic lyrics and synth, relatable in its simplicity. Next is “Egg,” a song that furthers the album’s story, but also takes the listener on an introspective journey across a singular track. The beat builds and falls, encapsulating an uncertain walk through life’s ups and downs.
Classical influences continue on the B-side. “Fly” pays homage to the spacey acoustic of Led Zeppelin’s “The Rain Song”; “Charlie’s Garden” echoes the upbeat melodies of Paul McCartney-style Beatles songs; “Gap Tooth Smile” mirrors the carefree rock of Queen. Despite its numerous tributes, The Crux retains a distinct “Djo” quality through its vocals and indie synth sound.
Each track represents a different character Djo meets, and he closes his exploration of humanity on the final three songs, reaching a peaceful conclusion. Though some may see it as a lack of cohesiveness, The Crux’s jumbled nature successfully conveys the unpredictability of life and the people we encounter.
