With chairs lining the sidewalks of Martha’s Cafe outside Revolution Hall, fans eagerly waited all day for the opening night of DJO’s Back On You tour. DJO, the solo project of actor and musician Joe Keery, most famously known for his role in Stranger Things, sold out all 3 nights here in Portland, Oregon. Since releasing his first album, Twenty Twenty, Keery has increasingly become more and more popular in the psychedelic rock scene. Touring on his newest release, “The Crux,” fans were eager to see how this album would translate from the studio to the live stage.

Revolution Hall, with its intimate setting, was the perfect venue for DJO’s atmospheric and exhilarating performance. The venue, which formerly housed a high school auditorium, has long been known for its warmth and stellar acoustics. It provided the perfect setting for an artist whose music is as much about mood as it is about melody.

As the lights dimmed, the crowd roared as Keery and his band took the stage. The energy in the room instantly shifted to a high, eager excitement. The night opened with the hypnotic track “Runner.” The song truly set the mood for the night with the upbeat synths and bass-heavy groove.

Keery’s live performance absolutely showcased his ability to command both his music and the stage. With a magnetic presence, he danced around the stage, at times lost in the music and looking like he was having the time of his life. Keery’s voice, soft yet captivating, floated through the venue, often layered over intricate sonic textures.

The crowd was immediately enveloped in the show through the upbeat setlist which felt perfectly curated to create both an experience and dance party all night. Keery continued through the night with fan favorites such as “End of Beginning” and “Basic Being Basic.” The crowd was absolutely loving the blend of both electronic beats with exciting glitchy textures overlaid.

One of the most touching moments of the night came with the performance of “Potion,” a track that has resonated with fans for its romantic yet intoxicating vibe. Keery’s emotive delivery paired with the soft acoustic guitar had fans swaying in unison to the song’s groove. It was clear that Keery’s sound has evolved since the release of his debut album with his newer material displaying a more refined and confident musical identity.

As Keery played the final song of the night, “Crux,” fans 100% left buzzing with excitement, knowing that they had witnessed a performance from an artist who has clearly found his musical voice. Keery has proven that he is far more than just an actor turned musician. His sound and conceptual evolution on stage truly shined and showed the genuine commitment he has put into his new album and musical career.

For those fortunate enough to catch him at Revolution Hall over the 3 day stint, it was an unforgettable night of music.

Review & Photos by: Taylor Sher

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Djo Debuts "The Crux" During 3 Night Sold Out Stand in Portland