Full of emotion and vulnerability, this is a phenomenal debut.
Words: Sam Schilpalius
Keo have finally arrived with their debut EP 'Siren'. The release comes after years of growing their live sound through an array of support and small headline shows, building a demanding and loyal following. Consisting of brothers Finn and Conor Keogh alongside Oli Spackman and Jimmy Lanwern, the four-piece have teased the release with singles 'I Lied, Amber' and 'Thorn', as well as announcing a headline tour across the UK and Ireland – which has sold out.
The EP kicks off with 'I Lied, Amber', a vulnerable opening number that perfectly sets the tone. The track almost feels like an internal argument, like an array of wild thoughts plucked out and strung together. The way in which Finn manages to make his emotion felt is compelling and looks to be a clear staple theme in every Keo release we've seen as of yet.
The mood quickly shifts as 'Hands' introduces a feeling of warmth and nostalgia, a contrasting and confusing follow-up that still feels so right. As the track progresses, it feels like we're being teased, slowly pulled back into the angst of the opening tune. Finn mutters "It's you that I'm chasing, my body is breaking", before a scream swiftly reestablishes the familiar haze of anger and grit. As the number reaches its turbulent climax, every instrument battles one another, but together the band manage to keep in complete harmony and perfect balance.
The five song EP clocks in at 19 minutes and Keo tie a bow on the project just as well as they opened it. It is not often you see a debut release flow this effortlessly and feel this refined, something all the more impressive given how young the group is. Whilst this is only a taste, 'Siren' makes clear that the band have well and truly found their sound and have manufactured what would no doubt be an incredible live set. Keo are next up.
No comments:
Post a Comment