Manchester’s O2 Ritz was packed with anticipation gathered for Keo’s sold-out show. The Irish-English alternative rock band formed by the Keogh brothers delivered a lasting set, one that stays with you long after the show.

Stepping on stage to New Order’s ‘Blue Monday’, the night kicked off with Tooth, setting the scene with strong, rocky instrumentals for their debut single ‘The Age of Innocence’. The band brought an edgy vibe to get the crowd ready for what was to come… ‘Wallflower’, an unreleased track from the band, slowed the pace of the set, spotlights on and lights shimmered down on the crowd. The track began with lead singer Tom Pollock alone on guitar before the rest of the band gradually joined in. ‘Take Me As I Am’ was also another unreleased track performed by the band, with fans showing their appreciation for the song. Rocky instrumentals lay the foundations for Tooth’s music and the venue was full of anticipation for Keo’s set. 'This is our final song. Thank you so much for coming to see us', Tom called out to the crowd. The band then performed their latest single ‘Medicine’, which was released just last week. The track opened with a prominent opening from Roy Lowe on drums and proved to be a hit for Tooth.

‘Rooster’ by Alice in Chains began to play through the speakers and that’s when the crowd knew it was time for the headliner. Keo walked out to shouts across the venue of 'KEO! KEO!' On their last tour in October, Keo played Manchester’s Gorilla to a crowd of 550. Just months later, they returned to the city to headline the 1,500-capacity O2 Ritz. ‘Hands’ had the crowd deafening from the very first lyric, their arms in the air. Yellow lighting circled the venue, amplifying the electric atmosphere. Unreleased track ‘That’s Me’ opened with a catchy riff, accompanied with a red glow and a sea of jumping fans. 'Thank you Manchester', Finn Keogh called out to the crowd. The atmosphere skyrocketed when ‘Thorn’ began to ring out across the venue. Finn’s passionate vocals told a story of heartbreak, and the crowd was competing to be louder than him. The audience took in every lyric and basked in the moment. Bassist Conor Keogh (brother of Finn Keogh) led a prominent bass part to ‘Spaceman’, with a heavy build up to the chorus. Under blue flashing lights, Oli Spackman ended the track on a euphoric drum closing.

‘Spent On You’ had a guitar opening from Jimmy Lanwern, the track slowing the set as it explored themes of regret and wasted time. ‘So I wonder if you’re ever coming back/I've forgotten how it feels when you do/I thought I’d never have to regret/Changing my life for you.’

'This show’s really special to us, thank you so much for coming out.'

The crowd began to chant ‘Stolen Cars!’ and Finn opened with a solo as the rest of the band gradually joined in. The electric guitar lead line particularly stood out, paired well with a crescendo from the drums.

Then it was time for the encore, the crowd once again chanting ‘KEO!’. The band returned to the stage and covered The Door’s ‘The End’, with fans going crazy as Finn went up to the barrier. Moving on to ‘Kind, If You Will’, the band took the pace down a notch and allowed fans to take a moment to reflect on the electric show they’ve just witnessed. The night came to an end with ‘I Lied, Amber’, the band’s debut single. The crowd did not disappoint and showed up even more for the final song. Keo brought an unforgettable night; one full of emotion, angst, and power.

Micha Thompson
@x.micharose.x
Images: Kaitlyn Brockley

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