Keo make a ‘Siren’ call with debut EP.
On their debut EP ‘Siren,’ London-based quartet Keo deliver a powerful introduction to their sound, one that displays both confidence and emotional vulnerability.
Across five tracks, the band explore personal and often heavy themes: mental health, fractured relationships, the pains of growing up, with a clear sense of identity and a commitment to honest songwriting.
Frontman Finn Keogh leads, supported by his brother Conor on bass, drummer Oli Spackman and guitarist Jimmy Lanwern. Their musical influences; Pearl Jam, Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Wunderhorse, are worn openly but never verge upon imitation. Instead, they use familiar sonic language to carve out something that feels lived-in and raw.
“Being vulnerable in music has been scary for me in the past. But it’s just having to continuously say to yourself, this is what’s important.”
Opening track ‘I Lied, Amber’ sets the tone immediately. Anchored by reverb-heavy guitars and Keogh’s understated vocal delivery, it’s a slow-build that swells into something far more intense. The lyrics are direct and confessional, capturing a sense of regret without melodrama. As a debut single, it makes complete sense.
The EP’s second track, ‘Hands’ tilt further into Keo’s grunge and alt-rock leanings. The dynamics here are sharper, with bursts of distortion cutting through quieter verses.
‘Thorn’ is the EP’s centrepiece and its emotional peak. Originally titled ‘Hate,’ the song tackles bitterness and emotional fallout with an unflinching eye. It starts sparsely, with delicate guitar lines and hushed vocals, but builds into a chaotic, cathartic climax.
On ‘Stolen Cars,’ the band shift into a more cinematic, late-night sound. There’s a dreamlike quality to the track, but the emotional weight remains. The lyrics touch on dislocation and longing and the production gives everything room to breathe.
Closer, ‘Kind, If You Will’ winds things down. It’s more restrained, built around clean guitar tones and a vocal performance that feels weary but resolute. The song doesn’t reach for any grand finale – instead, it closes the EP on a sombre note.
There’s a sense of maturity running through ‘Siren’ that’s rare to find in debut releases. The songwriting is thoughtful and the production (which captures a near-live feel) suits the rawness of the material.