Review: DJO + Post Animal at Asheville Yards
Electric. From the moment I parked on the evening of Sept. 30, I sensed an energy that was simply unstoppable. Wrapped around Asheville Yards in the pouring rain, these fans were united by one name: DJO.
Post Animal kicked off the night, and the audience was primed for an unforgettable experience. Hailing from Chicago, the five-piece brought a guitar-heavy sound with a spacey-rock synth undertone. Starting off with “Caving In,” they captivated the audience from the first note. with palpable charisma. Each band member took turns at the mic, keeping the crowd engaged and eager. As they wrapped up their set, the announcement that DJO was next sent the audience into a frenzy.
When the lights dimmed and the stage was set, the ground seemed to tremble with anticipation. A sold-out crowd, having traveled to Asheville from far and wide, was there to witness the one and only DJO, and frontman Joe Keery captivated the audience with his new-age funk and synth, bringing a fresh perspective to familiar psychedelic rock.
The Stranger Things actor’s cool demeanor exuded a swagger and star power that was downright impossible to overlook. The crowd’s roar was even louder than his, a fact that did not escape his notice. During “Basic Being Basic,” Keery paused and smiled, taking in the fans screaming the lyrics back at him. Voices carried across the night and practically every attendee sang along.
As the final notes of the show faded into silence and the stage began to clear, the energy refused to dim. Laughter and cheers were still being heard through the night, reaching the distant parking lots and beyond. Cars departed with windows wide open, and amidst the chorus of departing vehicles, one artist’s voice rose above the rest: the unmistakable DJO.
(Photos by Bryce Lafoon)
DJO
Post Animal
