Keo – Put A Smile On For Me
Updated: Sep 24
Rising alt-rock band Keo are releasing their highly anticipated debut album, Put A Smile On For Me, on September 25th, and I’ve been given the opportunity to listen early. Let me tell you, the fans will not be disappointed.
The Sound of Feeling Everything
Keo have built a reputation for explosive, high-energy live performances, and their upcoming album lives up to it. As you go through the tracks, you can imagine the sweaty mosh pits, people on their friends’ shoulders, and crowds screaming the lyrics back at the band. With frontman Finn’s vocals, which let you almost feel his hurt through the painfully honest and vulnerable songwriting, combined with the grungy guitars and production, the album is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re yearning whilst staring out of the train window or it’s on aux at pre-drinks, there’s a song for you. The album includes popular singles ‘That’s Me’ and ‘Pistol’, which already give you a strong sense of what to expect from the rest of the tracks. Whilst there are slower, more ballad-style songs, like ‘Bird on a Wire’ and ‘Spent on You’, they definitely don’t lack the kind of intensity that makes even the quieter moments feel loaded. They explore themes of self-deprecation, difficult relationships, and that feeling of being stuck in your own head.
“And no I don’t want you to see me like I do” - Pistol
The lyricism throughout the album cuts deep, in a way that I find many young rock bands struggle to achieve. Finn has previously talked about the idea that “truth always rises to the top” in an interview with Ticketmaster, which is an idea I feel is central to Keo’s music. They’re not trying to create a false image of themselves; they’re releasing genuinely relatable music based on real emotion, creating a safe space for their fans. Keo sit in the emotion and turn it into something loud and unguarded, yet strangely comforting. Finn’s raw, unpolished vocals strengthen this effect. In contrast to the overproduction that has become common in modern music, Keo’s work feels messy, but in the best possible way. It’s vulnerable, but most importantly, it’s real. If you’re into guitar-heavy music full of raw emotion, Keo are definitely a band to keep your eye on.
About the artist
Keo are a London-based four-piece alternative rock band formed by brothers Finn and Conor, drawing inspiration from guitar-driven rock bands like Nirvana and Radiohead. They began their career gigging at grassroots venues across London, where they quickly built their reputation for their intensely passionate stage presence. Last year, they released their debut EP, ‘Sirens’, initially recorded in a garage in just 5 days, featuring the lead single, ‘I Lied, Amber ’, which rapidly gained traction on social media. Since then, Keo have sold out O2 Academy Brixton, a 4,000+ capacity venue, and performed at major festivals in the UK and internationally, establishing themselves as an exciting emerging band in the alternative rock scene.
About the Photographer
Sophie Wilks is a UK-based music photographer who strives to capture the individuality, energy and emotion of each artist she photographs. Her work is centred around the atmosphere of live music, whilst highlighting the personality of the artist behind the performance. Looking beyond the obvious, she seeks out the candid moments, fan interactions, and small details that bring the performance to life. As a passionate music fan herself, Sophie understands the unique connection between the artist and their audiences, and aims to capture moments that they can look back on and hold with them long after the show has ended. Sophie's photography is driven by a genuine love for live music and a desire to share this passion with others through raw and authentic imagery.
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