Behind: Keo

Keo is an alternative rock band based in London, UK that are quickly gaining traction and rising in popularity. The band consists of Finn Keogh on lead vocals and guitar, his brother Conor Keogh on Bass, Oli Spackman on drums and Jimmy Lanwern on guitar. 

The band notes influences including Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins and more modern artists like Fontaines DC and Wunderhorse. While they do encapsulate these influences, they remain unique and very much have their own sound. 

Keo released their first song ‘Echo On’ in October 2023, which they have since removed from Spotify, but is still available on Apple Music and other platforms as ‘unreleased’. This early song is a good taster of what their later releases entail, with heavy guitars, typical rock vocals and catchy melodies.

Common themes surrounding their music is depression, inner turmoil and less than perfect relationships. Their music features catchy guitar riffs, distorted guitar, and often sustained notes which has you holding your breath until it rings out. The bass is also perfect, not too simple and filling out each track while leaving you satisfied. The drums are always amazing, providing a good backbeat or a fill between sections or really bringing out the rock when needed. The four piece works together incredibly.

In the majority, if not all of their songs, Keo uses panning which gives their music another layer to sink your teeth into. They really have thought of everything to give us the perfect  songs. If you haven’t listened to their music with headphones, I highly recommend doing so because it will elevate your listening experience. In particular, ‘That’s Me’. It starts small with the rhythm guitar in your right ear before the lead guitar and drums come in on the left. It only continues to get better, especially the sustained guitar ringing through the left at times.