Singer-songwriter Djo, also known as Joe Keery (“Stranger Things”), continues making waves in the music industry from his 1-billion-streamed song “End of Beginning” on his 2022 psychedelic project “DECIDE” to his latest album release “The Crux” which released on Friday.
His last record “DECIDE” focused on themes of anxiety and isolation; however, with 12 tracks on “The Crux,” Keery searches for a clearer sense of self, embracing emotional openness with lush instrumentation and a newly confident vocal style.
The album’s first single, “Basic Being Basic,” is a sharp commentary on emotional shallowness, expressing a desire for genuine love and connection over trends or status. Setting an alternative rock vibe, the tongue-in-cheek track dishes out retro synths and zany spoken-word verses.
“Link” boasts rigged guitars and dense production, capturing the frustration of feeling lost or unfulfilled despite doing everything “right” by following the norm. It builds into a rebellious call for breaking free from routines, expectations and emotional confinement — exploding into a classic rocker anthem.
On “Potion,” Djo’s swooning falsetto floats over infectious fingerpicked guitar, twanging and fluttering with whimsical folk-pop arpeggios. Beneath its gorgeous soft-rock sound lies an effervescent love song with heartfelt lyrics like, “I’ll try for all of my life / Just to find someone who leaves on the light for me.” It’s a standout track that captures the “glitz and glamour” of searching for love while radiating rich, saccharine acoustic textures that are impossible not to love.
The Beatles’ influence is evident in “Charlie’s Garden” due to its silly delivery, complemented by keys and a piccolo trumpet. The title track and album closer, “Crux,” sports mellow, stripped-back rustic strings and warm keys, ending with a choir-backed chorus echoing “Get back to your heart / But only if you give it back again” to tie together the album’s themes of self-discovery and social awareness.
Additionally, the album sees Djo lean into acoustic strumming patterns that would make Fleetwood Mac proud, ultimately being responsible for the project’s warm, vintage feel. At the same time, the layered, strong synth usages and psychedelic textures echo the sonic experimentation of Tame Impala, creating a soundscape that feels nostalgic yet still novel in his case.
Overall, the project offers a glimpse into Keery’s multifaceted artistry, blending introspection with playful experimentation that draws from a variety of musical inspiration from rock juggernauts. Themes of self-discovery, emotional vulnerability and the pursuit of genuine connection in a cold and isolated earth are central to the album, which balances psychedelic rock and folk-inspired melodies with moments of raw, unfiltered expression. “The Crux” is a refreshing, fun album that hits all the right notes, though its predictability may leave some wanting more surprises.
3½ eggs out of 5
