Loud, Raw and Unfiltered: Keo’s Siren Tour Live at O2 Academy Glasgow.
By Hollie Thomson
Rising alt-rock band Keo are singlehandedly bringing back guitar music one sold-out gig at a time.
A month after releasing their debut album 'Put a Smile on For Me' - Keo kicked off their biggest headlining show on Tuesday night in Glasgow at the O2 Academy.
As the four-piece continue the 'Siren' tour, their ability to combine indie style lyricism and grunge-rock instrumentals have made the band one of the most exciting upcomers in the UK’s alt-rock scene.
Keo take to the stage at the O2 Academy, Glasgow
The band’s catalogue of emotional vulnerability, raw guitars and almost urgency to explore guilt, insecurity and heartbreak is a key factor that attracts their large crowds.
Frontman Finn Keogh’s choice to open the set with 'Be Happy', was a fitting choice as it immediately kicked the crowd into a frenzy, with hands swaying and people on shoulders as the lyrics "What a night" were shouted amongst friends. After that, they moved onto 'Pistol' and then 'Hands', building the crowd and momentum back up whilst highlighting some of their heavier sounds. The opening run showed the strength of Keo’s material.
The emotionally relatable and vulnerable side of Keo is what makes their music special to see live.
The drums provide a base sound as the guitar and basslines bring each track to their peak, with the personal lyrics inviting listeners to be fully immersed in the songs, making them feel a part of them, rather than just listeners.
'Best I Can Do' also arrived early in the set, giving a moment to songwriting itself. As 'Thorn', 'Spent on You' and 'I Lied', Amber' followed, it gave the band a chance to access the more reflective side of their music. The move between the quieter and more rowdy moments kept the performance from feeling shallow, whilst keeping the crowd up and moving. The crashing instrumentals created a lively space for the fans to let loose and live in the moment.
As the fan favourite 'That’s Me' was played, it seemed that the crowd gave everything they had left by 'moshing' and singing. 'That’s Me' was also the track that showed the true state of the crowd. The atmosphere automatically became intense, showing the connection between Keo and their fans, creating one of the most memorable moments of their set.
Although the setlist consists of only 15 songs, the energy and overall experience was phenomenal.
For fans of alt-rock and grunge inspired emotionally honest music, Keo are a band worth following.
Lead singer of Keo, Finn Keogh, sings fan favourite track, ‘That’s me’
Overall, the performance was a strong show of the bands range, combining their electric, energetic tracks with more emotional moments. Their ability to keep the crowd engaged throughout the set showed their impact on the fans. As the final song, 'Only We Know' ended, the atmosphere in the O2 reflected how much the audience connected to the performance.
It was an unforgettable set that proved Keo’s appeal doesn’t just lie in their music, but with the connections they make with their fans.
★★★★★