Ulster says YEO to KEO
By Grace Poynton
On the 15th March, Belfast’s Oh Yeah Music Centre played host to one of the most exciting rising bands in the UK and Ireland scene at the moment: Keo.
Their blend of indie rock sensibilities and emotive lyrics gives them a distinct sound and modern edge, which has allowed the band to steadily carve out a name for themselves, both online and on stage, and the now-completed UK and Ireland tour has felt like a defining moment on their journey.
About the band
Led by brothers Finn and Conor Keogh, with drummer Oli Spackman and guitarist Jimmy Lanwern, this London-based band bridges the gap between 90’s grunge, shoegaze, and alternative rock, with noted influences of Jeff Buckley, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Radiohead, in addition to modern inspiration such as Wunderhorse and Fontaines D.C [1]. As a result, their sound feels nostalgic, yet forward-thinking, with their layered guitars, introspective lyrics, and dynamic range that moves seamlessly between vulnerable ballads and explosive anthems.
Despite being quite early on in their career, Keo have already demonstrated a confidence in both their songwriting and performance that is simply unmatched by their peers.
Preparing for the main event
From the outset, the atmosphere inside the venue was electric. Long regarded as one of the most important cultural hubs for the music scene in Belfast, the Oh Yeah Music Centre offers an intimacy that larger venues simply can not create. Every note and lyric was able to resonate so deeply within the audience, connecting the band to the dedicated crowd. As a venue that supports local and emerging talent, Keo felt perfectly at home on this iconic stage.
Before Keo took the stage, we were welcomed by a set from Dublin-formed band Bleech 9:3. This now London-based indie rock band is known for its gritty, alternative sound, leaning into genres such as shoegaze and post-punk. Their set was intense and immersive, notably with the iconic closing moment of their set, where vocalist Barry ‘Baz’ Quinlan dove into the crowd to a fan-favourite ‘Ceiling’. By the time their set was concluded, the crowd was ready and raring to go for what was to come for the rest of the night.
The Performance
Keo began with a bang, opening with the iconic riff of ‘Hands’ to create an immediate unity in the audience. The setlist as a whole balanced the fan favourites from their EP ‘Siren’, with many new tracks such as ‘Be happy’ and ‘Black Dress’, as well as many well-known, yet unreleased tunes such as ‘Spent on you’ and ‘Deserts’. Despite the majority of their setlist not being officially released, that wasn’t an issue for the dedication of their fans, who knew these songs inside and out. But of course, the band had to close out their sold-out show with their arguably most recognisable track, ‘I lied, Amber’. The slow build of this song rounded out the show beautifully, as the entire audience sang in unison with Finn, every strike of the tune beating through the crowd.
One of the biggest standouts of the night was Finn Keogh’s vocals, carrying so much power through the songs, truly demonstrating the emotional depth of their writing. This, in addition to the band’s tight musicality, ensured that even their most complex arrangements worked seamlessly in the live setting.
The future of Keo
Over the past year, the band have been steadily rising through grassroots venues across the UK and making a unique name for themselves. This has come not only through consistent live performances but also through a growing online presence and fan base, introducing their music to an increasingly wide audience. This balance of their digital reach and their authenticity of live shows has truly positioned them as a leading name in the new wave of the UK and Irish alternative scene. Additionally, on the 25th February 2026, they briefly had a theatrical release of a recording of their set live at Village Underground across a number of independent cinemas in the UK. This transformed what is typically a one-time experience into something much more accessible and lasting for their fans, mirroring the community-based aspect of live gigs, with the widespread reach of their music.Â
With a successful tour now behind them, the future for the band looks promising. They are set to headline Neighbourhood Urban Festival in Manchester this year, play at the iconic Reading and Leeds Festival once again, and notably will be supporting Wolf Alice at Finsbury Park in July. It is safe to say that I speak for all older and newer fans of Keo, that we all cannot wait to see how far they go.
