Album Review: Djo - 'DECIDE'
Documenting the process of growing older and the way we reflect back on times when we were younger, Djo’s ‘DECIDE’ is open about the complexities we face as human beings and how we often take times in our life for granted.
Joe Keery may be most well known for his role in Stranger Things, but those who actively keep up with him will also be aware of his work in the music industry. Keery previously was part of Chicago hailing psych pop band Post Animal for 5 years, before 2019 saw him make his solo debut as Djo and also the release of ‘TWENTY TWENTY.’ September 16th sees Keery releasing more music as Djo with his latest album ‘DECIDE,’ one which his fans are eagerly waiting to hear.
The album opens with the synth-powered track ‘Runner.’ When working on ‘DECIDE,’ Keery “searched for rules to break and boundaries to cross, bridging avant-garde genres and techniques while steadfastly exploring the infinite possibilities of pop,” and ‘Runner’ is a testament to his ability to do this extraordinarily well, as well as promising great things from the rest of the album.
The next song ‘Gloom’ captures a feeling that many of us may be very familiar with, the feeling of not being able to sit still. It very much feels like an anthem for living in the moment, while still making sure to find a moment to appreciate where you are in your life.
Keery explained that “a lot of the songs turned out to be about getting older. About the passing of time and also just taking matters into your own hands.” The album tracks Keery’s late 20s and the growth and development he experienced in his own life and furthers the idea that there is always room for us to grow individually as humans.
‘Fool’ has a bit more of a pop edge to the track, while effortlessly maintaining the blend of new wave and 70’s rock that Keery uses as Djo in such an incredible way throughout his album, in order to create something that is so unique to himself.
The track ‘End Of Beginning’ gives us a moment to just slow down and fully take in what we’re listening to. It also feels like Djo is giving us the opportunity to escape our own lives while listening to this song. ‘End Of Beginning’ is raw and open, it’s a track that us entirely honest about the complexities of being human and growing older.
On the topic of creating the album, Keery said that “I just tried to come at it in the most creative ways that I know how to do.” He also added that “the main technique I was trying to use here was like, what’s like the reverse or opposite of what we should be doing? Let’s try to do that. Maybe it’s a terrible idea but also maybe it’ll work and do something unique and different.” Keery’s uncertainty appears to have been unnecessary, as it did work, and it lent itself to shaping ‘DECIDE’ into the album that it is.
‘DECIDE’ teases its listeners that that this is just the beginning of wonders that Djo has in store for everyone. Joe Keery has once again outdone himself and it’s exciting to see what will come next from him.
Words by Bethany Ellis
