Is Joe Keery Really Djo? the Unbelievable Rise of 'End of Beginning' to Global No. 1

Is is Joe Keery Really Djo? the Unbelievable Rise of 'End of Beginning' to Global No. 1 something you want to understand? Find out expert analysis in our feature story.

Transitioning from raw guitar shredding to modern electronic production marked an intentional creative evolution. Keery's tenure as a Post Animal former member grounded him in dynamic song structures, rhythm changes, and psychedelic textures. Yet, his work as Djo leaned into new wave rhythms, modern psych pop, and shimmering 1980s synthesizers.

"End of Beginning" acts as an emotional centerpiece on DECIDE. Built around driving bass patterns and soaring synth arpeggios, the song departs from the robotic irony present on tracks like "Gloom" and "Half Life." Keery delivers his lines with candid vocal warmth. He reflects directly on leaving a formative chapter of his youth behind, specifically bidding farewell to his college enclave in Chicago as adult responsibilities pulled him toward Los Angeles soundstages.

The production strikes a delicate balance. It avoids retro pastiche, opting instead for clean low-end clarity and layered vocal stacks that build to an exhilarating instrumental release. The song’s climactic outro, punctuated by sweeping chord changes, carries an immediate cinematic weight that hooks listeners within seconds.