Have you noticed all the buzz around the series Stranger Things? There’s no doubt it’s a phenomenon produced by Netflix. But did you know that one of the actors in the show, Joe Keery, is also a seriously talented musician? And it’s Joe Keery, performing under the pseudonym Djo, who released his latest album this year.
Back to Electric Lady Studios
Those of you who’ve been following me for a while know that
I also write for musicserver.cz. So why am I suddenly writing a review of the
new album The Crux for Kavky? Because I simply forgot that I wanted to
write about it for musicserver.cz. Simple! And yes, you might think that
writing about a studio album that came out in the spring for a website focused
on news is a bit off. But maybe I’ll remember The Crux in a few years
and write about it in the spirit of “Zaprášenosti” 😊.
And since I’m not writing for a music mag but for a blog, this review might be
a bit more relaxed (and hopefully funnier). Still, not quite Rockin’ Robin
levels of cool because I’m not that cool!
So, let’s get to the point. The Crux is Joe Keery’s
third full-length album, released on April 4, 2025. For some reason, though, I
keep having April 20 stuck in my head. Well, time really does fly when you’re
having fun.
As I mentioned in the intro, the album comes from Djo, who
headed to the legendary Electric Lady Studios in New York. If that name sounds
familiar and yes, it’s the very place associated with founder Jimi Hendrix, David
Bowie, and many other icons. Djo didn’t go there to hold séances or shred a
solo on All Along the Watchtower alongside Hendrix, but to perfect his
project with his longtime collaborator Adam Thein.
Faithful to His Signature Style
This sensational album, an honest and deeply human
confession of an authentic artist, opens with Lonesome Is a State of Mind.
As the title suggests, this is no wild experiment. Instead, it’s a gentle song
in which the musician isn’t afraid to open up emotionally. What works
beautifully here is that despite its seriousness, the track retains a sense of
playfulness that’s part of Djo’s musical signature.
The four-minute opener is followed by Basic Being Basic,
an ironic, danceable jab at the superficiality of today’s culture. Joe comments
on how easy it is to live above it all and just be “kind of fine.” Is this song
a critique, or a confession? Let’s say it’s a bit of both.
Next comes Link, symbolizing a turning point, one
that brings freedom but also doubt, because, as you know… consequences. And the
fact that the world isn’t black and white is something Keery could certainly
talk about or rather, sing about.
Heartbreak as a Creative Engine
It’s long been clear that the artist draws inspiration from
the ’60s and ’80s - especially in terms of sound, which is also infused with
the playful spirit of the indie scene. But what about the lyrics? On The
Crux, it’s obvious that the driving force behind all this creativity (from
the world’s best babysitter - a small nod to Steve Harrington; and yes, I hate
declining foreign names, btw) is heartbreak.
The pain of a breakup is one of the album’s central themes,
which Djo transforms into an original musical form. While Delete Ya
captures the tension between wanting to forget and knowing that some pain has
to be carried forward, Potion echoes early T. Rex and Fleetwood Mac, and
Egg feels perfectly distinctive.
By the way, do you know what’s funny about Egg? I
rated it 6/10 for musicserver. Why? Because I was only judging the visuals,
which simply aren’t strong enough to deserve a higher score. And hey… six out
of ten is above average, which isn’t bad at all, right? If I were rating the
song itself, I might even give it an eight, because it’s genuinely very good.
It may seem dull or dragged out in the first few seconds, but there’s something
about it that makes it one of the top tracks on the album. Maybe it’s the raw
emotion, or the fact that Joe gives it his absolute all which really comes
through from the third minute on. Something tells me this song will sound even
better live.
Friendship as a Safe Haven
I think it’s fair to say that the second half of the album
feels like a gradual deep breath. Fly captures the realization that some
paths need to be abandoned and new ones taken if you want to move forward. And
then there’s Charlie’s Garden. You might immediately wonder whether this
is a reference to gardening with Charlie Heaton and you wouldn’t be far off.
Joe reportedly wrote this gem while visiting his acting colleague and admiring
his garden. Charlie’s Garden is ultimately a tribute to friendship and
to someone who supported Keery during truly difficult times. Do some parts
sound familiar? That might be because they evoke The Beatles.
Golden Line brings a gentle wave of vocals with a
pleasantly nostalgic orchestration, making it one of the emotional peaks of The
Crux. The ultimate high point in terms of human connection, however, comes
with Back On You.
A Final Exhale
Joe Keery says goodbye to listeners with Crux, a
magical conclusion to the entire story and, in its own way, a bold line drawn
under another chapter of life. What is the artist trying to say with the
closing track? That it’s never too late to return to who you truly are.
For me, The Crux is one of the best albums of 2025.
Why? Above all, because it’s sonically rich and unafraid of emotion, which only
adds to its authenticity. Joe Keery may portray one of the strongest
protagonists in Stranger Things, in addition to being the world’s best
babysitter, but when you listen to this album, you see an artist in his most
vulnerable and honest form.
Enough fake glitter and beautifying filters - make room for
Djo! And if you can’t get enough, the musician also released The Crux Deluxe
on September 12, featuring a total of 24 tracks, giving you a full hour and a
half of an excellent collection. And by the way - remember how I mentioned Potion
in connection with T. Rex earlier? You might enjoy the song T. Rex Is Loud,
which I personally saved to my favorites immediately!
(Fangirl note: And just so I don’t forget - I definitely
need Joe’s guitar collection! And once I learn how to sing and make it to a
parallel universe, we have to sing Elenore by The Turtles together!)
Rating: 9/10
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