I can’t help but think back to an interview I read a few months ago where Joe Keery scoffed at the thought of his debut full-length album, Twenty-Twenty. he evidently thought it was a bit juvenile both in sound and from a lyrical perspective. Really, his new album, Decide, seems like a natural continuation from that first record, but I’ll have to listen to it a few more times to see if it’s evolved that much lyrically.
Overall though, I enjoyed this album front to back. It’s still heavy with the synths, a little heavy on the auto-tune at times, but it’s an upbeat record that I know will make it in the rotation along with his other album. Songs that really stood out to me were “On and On,” “Slither,” “Figure You Out,” and “Go For It.” I particularly enjoy the lyric in the latter song where he sings that “it’s a harder thing to do than say.” I know in my own life I try to live by that “go for it” mantra, but fears will always get in the way. Even if it’s just a little bit.
Obviously, I really enjoyed the initial singles Djo released for the album, “Change” and “Gloom,” and there are always moments in the beginning where I just can’t hear how these two fit in with the rest of the album. They just sound different enough from the rest of the offerings, that it seems like maybe he should have chosen something else so the album sounds like it ties better together. But this is a stupid thought. I’m just used to these tracks, is all. A final song that really stood out to me was “Half Life.” The synths in this song sounded like they might have been very inspired by Stranger Things, but I’m definitely not complaining about that!
What I am complaining about though is the fact that I didn’t get to see Djo perform live at Austin City Limits! Filming the newest season of Fargo likely ruined that plan, so I hope in the near future he’s free enough to do a tour! Or you know what, I’ll even accept a different festival appearance. It’s clear to me with this second album that I’m a forever fan, so I know I’ve got plenty of time in the future to catch him, but I’m also impatient. Give this new album a spin!