Keo: A modern look at 90’s alternative rock
WRITTEN BY CAMERON BLACKWOOD
In recent years, the state of British and Irish indie rock hasn’t taken on a new face that is of the magnitude of bands such as Arctic Monkeys or The 1975, but it is definitely getting there. With artists like Sam Fender, Fontaines D.C. and Wunderhorse at the forefront of the movement, we have seen a new market for young alternative rock acts to enter the mainstream and receive more than a slice of recognition.
Right now, there’s a band based in London that is starting to make a strong push to put their name in the hat amongst the biggest bands the country has to offer. They are a young four-piece group that is bringing raw guitars, nostalgic lyrics and effortless swagger to the table; Keo.
Fronted by brothers Finn (vocals, guitar) and Conor Keogh (bass), alongside their bandmates Oli Spackman (drums) and Jimmy Lanwern (guitar), Keo offers their own refreshing and unique take on 90s alternative rock which is difficult to find in the modern age. When I heard their first single “I Lied Amber” to say I was moved beyond words was an understatement. Instantly, Keogh’s raspy voice takes control, belting out a heartfelt melody which blends perfectly with the raw overdriven sound of his Fender Telecaster. His voice just spoke to me. The way in which he sings the lyrics with such passion and anger makes the music feel that more genuine to the point where I felt like he [Keogh] pulled out exactly what was in my head, and put it on paper. Keogh’s voice is almost like a whisper and roar at once and when he uses it, don’t be surprised if you shed a tear.
This, coupled with the incredible chemistry of the rest of the band really make them a force to be reckoned with. Their quiet and loud dynamics flow like a wave rolling in from the sea. At times getting intense, but then resorting to a calm and gentle sound. They allow room for the music to breathe, making each note have its own haunting importance. What stood out the most on “I Lied Amber” was the climax of the song. In typical 90s fashion, you get hit with a wall of overdrive and fuzz that paralyzes you. The ability to use such ferociousness and power but in such a beautiful and contained way makes them not just a carbon copy of what has already been done but rather a band that reshapes the blueprint instead of stealing it.
Contrastingly, track number four from their Siren EP titled “Stolen Cars” is a definitive energy change from “I Lied Amber” that demonstrates the range Keo has. “Stolen Cars” cuts deep. The band strips it back by exchanging electric for acoustic to reveal a side of the band that isn’t seen on the ground level. This track feels like a breath of fresh air that you can never stop inhaling. Hearing how the band comes together on a track like this is cathartic and emotional all at once which speaks to the range each individual has in the group. It's a great example of how the band incorporates their influence from folk acts like Neil Young, and Sun Kil Moon, showing that Keo can do much more than be a loud and heavy grunge band, yet also a quiet and raw folk act.
To me, the smooth transitions between hushed and loud, coupled with the fact that they can write gentle and melancholic music demonstrates who this band truly is, and builds a framework as to what they are trying to achieve in a modern landscape of alternative rock music. As someone who is an avid listener of 90s alternative and grunge, the parallels between Keo and artists like The Smashing Pumpkins, Jeff Buckley and Pearl Jam are uncanny. Their use of heavy fuzz on some songs while also toning it back with an acoustic sound on the others, really connects the dots to countless alternative rock acts of that time period.
Taking this into account, Keo uses these influences in a perfect way. As the current youth look for reasons to dive into the past and listen to 90s bands, Keo is quickly giving the kids a reason to stay in the present. After releasing only a few tracks on Soundcloud and Spotify in 2025, they are swiftly rising up the ranks as we move into 2026. Currently booked for a UK and Europe tour in the spring of this year, Keo will undoubtedly find their way in the modern rock zeitgeist and gain some incredible traction. This, coupled with the fact that they are also booked for the Reading and Leeds Festival in August, makes them a major band to look out for over the next couple of months. As I see it, this is going to be the band that breaks next and you are not going to want to miss out when they inevitably do.
