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Djo and Post Animal Hit the Road
With the dual announcement of his third album, The Crux, and the Back On You world tour, Djo is coming back full force, and he’s bringing the indie band Post Animal with him. Hailing from Chicago, Post Animal is a self-described prog band, but don’t let that intimidate you. Their music is energetic and multifaceted — by turns dancy, head-banging, and hypnotic — making Post Animal a starting act you don’t want to miss.
The Connection
The musical pairing of Djo’s indie psychedelia with Post Animal’s prog rock doesn’t come out of the blue. Before he became a household name in Stranger Things and launched his solo music career as Djo, Joe Keery was an early member of Post Animal. Keery left the band in 2019 so as to not let Hollywood overpower their artistry, saying in an Alternative Press interview:
“It's important to disassociate Steve from Stranger Things to the band because I think it will eventually hurt the band. Those guys are such talented musicians... I think it's important that they're hitting the pavement for a while and making a name for themselves and it's not necessarily associated with Stranger Things.”
Today, Post Animal is the project of Dalton Allison, Jake Hirshland, Javi Reyes, Wesley Toledo, and Matt Williams. Together, they create a distinctive sound with reverby guitars, expansive keys, expert drums, and poetic lyrics.
Experimental, Eclectic, and Everything In Between
Their connection to Joe Keery isn’t what makes Post Animal special — their music speaks for itself. With a vast discography spanning everything from power pop and classic indie to heavy psychedelia and experimental prog rock, there’s something to appeal to every palate (as long as your taste is good).
For a laid-back vibe, try out Post Animal Perform the Most Curious Water Activities. The album opens with the moody “Goggles,” before flowing through a lineup of full-bodied songs. From there, the album moves to “A Whale’s Tale,” an ambient instrumental piece that gives way to “Hoverin’ All Night,” an indie gem with rolling drums, floating keys, and ethereal vocals. Other chill classics include their popular song, “When I Get Home,” “One Thing,” and “How Do You Feel,” an expansive, rhythmic masterpiece.
For something more upbeat, dig into the archives for can’t-miss songs like “Caught in the Trap,” a dancy, almost frantic tune, or “Lonely Jones,” with wailing guitar riffs and soft vocals. Even if your tastes lean toward high-energy songs, Post Animal has you covered. “Safe or Not,” features plucky guitars, atmospheric keys, and groovy percussion for a lively, infectious beat. If that doesn’t get your heart beating, you might just be made of stone. When I Think Of You In A Castle features multiple catchy, energetic tunes like “Ralphie,” “Special Moment,” and “Tire Eyes,” each with upbeat guitars and catchy beats. On later albums, tracks like “Puppy Dog” lean into a synthy vibe with airy vocals while “No More Sports” takes pop and turns it into a power ballad.
The Progressive Edge
That brings us to the crux of Post Animal’s appeal — their prog rock ethos. They’re experimental, with a tongue-in-cheek playfulness, as if they’re letting you in on their own inside jokes. It’s music not for music’s sake but for the joy of the creative act. Once you buy into the gig, their music has a single-handed way of making your heart race, of tapping into some primal feeling. Take the responding guitars and tempo changes of “Gelatin Mode,” (along with the very serious, high-quality production of the accompanying music video). Or “In A Paradise,’ which is arguably the band’s most poetic song paired with some of their heaviest guitar work. “You Were Not There” off The Garden Series, takes listeners on a winding journey of ascending and descending guitar licks before a crescendo of layered guitars and pounding drums. The list goes on and on — “Aging Forest, “Damaged Goods,” “Fitness,” “Your Life Away.” They seamlessly transition from heavy to pop-y from wailing guitars to machine-gun drums.
For a sneak peek at their live prowess, check out their LEVITATION Session. The band’s chemistry is undeniable as they fluidly transition from song to song and trade off vocals, guitar, bass, and keys. During the session, you can tell the guys are passionate about their music, intently focusing — which is to be expected given all the effects pedals needed to cultivate their sound. Live, they’re much the same —a bunch of cool guys doing what they do best, sharing their music without being showy about it. The audience is a different matter. Given their loyal, passionate fanbase, the crowd is full of energy, so expect a mix of moshing, headbanging, and general vibes.
A Main Course Acting As Opener
There’s no doubt Post Animal will get the visibility they deserve on tour with Djo. Their musical prowess speaks volumes on its own, combining prog rock with elements of psych and indie to create a new eclectic sound. If you’ll forgive the cheese, they’ll strum your heartstrings just as skillfully as they strum their guitars (or, in drummer Wesley Toledo’s case, as fiercely as he pounds the drums). With their sincere live performances and diverse catalog, they’re sure to leave an impression on both Djo’s fans and their own loyal following.
But, I swear to God — if y’all drive up their ticket prices, I’ll be pissed.
