Djo, the artist and actor also known as Joe Keery, made waves in the indie music scene with his third album, ‘The Crux’, released in April. With its electronic, indie-pop, and retro sound, it delved into significant experiences from his late twenties to early thirties. Just a few months later, he surprises fans with his fourth album, ‘The Crux Deluxe’ – a completely new collection of twelve songs rather than just an expanded version of the previous album. What an exciting year to be a Djo fan!
In ‘The Crux Deluxe’, he elevates his game and explores even more deeply, showcasing his versatility as he traverses multiple genres – from psychedelic rock and synth-pop to electropop, folk, and blues.
Heartbreak is a familiar theme in this album, as seen in tracks like ‘Love Can’t Break The Spell’ and ‘It’s Over’, both reflecting a sense of acceptance after a relationship's conclusion. Lyrically, Djo excels in this area, filling the album with straightforward yet deeply emotional lines.
‘Who You Are’ continues in this reflective and melancholic tone. With smooth, clear vocals that could easily place him alongside The Beatles, he poses the question: “So what do I do? Just give it time? Go back to the start?”
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The standout track on this album is undoubtedly ‘Purgatory Silverstar’, which begins as a gentle acoustic piece before shifting into a retro rock style complete with a 70’s-inspired guitar solo. The influence of David Bowie is evident throughout the song, from its title to Djo's theatrical delivery and poetic lyrics.
In contrast, ‘Mr. Mountebank’ takes a different direction. Focusing more on the future than the past, it’s an energetic electro-pop song, laden with autotune, bass, and synths – a track that would surely impress Charli XCX.
On ‘Try Me’, Djo explores the Blues, crafting a catchy, upbeat love song that's impossible not to tap your foot to. The infectious hook pairs with his deeper, relaxed vocals, fitting the suave lyrics: “I’ll be your co-star captain, trust me I could fill your sails.”
The album closes with ‘Awake’, a soft acoustic track reminiscent of Elliott Smith’s poignant sound and lyrical honesty. Listeners are gently lulled into tranquility until, in the final moments, gritty guitars and loud drums unexpectedly bring the song to a climactic end.
‘The Crux Deluxe’ showcases Djo’s remarkable ability to seamlessly transition between genres while doing so convincingly, ultimately paying tribute to musical legends and carving out a path for himself.
Rating: 8/10
Words: Emma C Harrison
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Djo, the artist and actor better known as Joe Keery, recently made waves in the indie music scene with his third album, ‘The Crux’, which was released in April.