Live Review
On a super nice spring evening here in Toronto, I was one of many that couldn’t wait to see Djo’s headlining sold out show at the History. There was a line around the building and I would have to say this is the most packed with people I have ever seen the venue. Djo is the musical alter ego of Joe Keery, who starred in one of the leading roles in TV show Stranger Things. This was his first time headlining here in Toronto, and I was so incredibly excited as I have been a big fan of his music since his first song Roddy came out in 2019!
The opening act of the night was the band Post Animal, their music was very 70’s inspired with a modern indie/alt twist. I had listened to their music prior to the shows announcement but I was super excited to see them live as well. The band is from Chicago and formed in 2014. The current members are Dalton Allison (bass/vocals), Jake Hirshland (guitar/ keys/ vocals), Javi Reyes (guitar/ vocals), Matt Williams (guitar/ vocals), and Wesley Toledo (drums/ vocals). Joe Keery was actually one of the founding members of Post Animal, but he left the band in 2019 to commit more time to his acting. Keery was featured on the bands most recent album release “Iron”. The band’s performance was incredible live, and you can get a great feeling for the chemistry they have together. It is a real testament of time and how well it has worked for the band being able to refine such a great sound. Post Animal is coming back to Toronto in November of this year as well for their own headlining show at the Garrison, and I cannot wait to see them play a longer set!
Now onto the most anticipated moment of the night, Djo. A moody intro played as all of Djo’s band members took the stage, and screams grew from the crowd. Once Keery took the stage and took a moment to get adjusted, he struck immediately into the song ‘Gloom’ from his second album ‘DECIDE’. I had to try my absolute hardest to not put my camera down and just dance and sing along! He then moved right into the song ‘Link’ off his newest release ‘The Crux’, it was so amazing to see these two songs performed live and up close as they are actually 2 of my favorite Djo songs!! The fusion of synth with a more alternative rock sound is done so much justice in a live performance.
The performance truly was like no other, and maybe that is some bias due to the fact I am such a big fan, but it was truly just a night to remember. The lighting was super saturated and synced up with the music perfectly. Seeing videos of Djo performances over the years as well, I was beyond impressed with how much Keery’s stage presence has improved. He played hits from each of his albums with an obvious focus on his most recent album, and the setlist was perfect! To end off the night, Keery brought out openers Post Animal to play song ‘Flash Mountain’ and then shocked everyone in the room when he brought out fellow Stranger Things cast mate Finn Wolfhard (a fellow Canadian!!). It was a night I never would have expected to be so amazing. Seeing Djo live was on my bucket list and it exceeded expectations. I am so excited for the next time he makes it up North to give us Canadians another night to remember!
Photo Gallery
Post Animal
Djo
