Keo have talked to NME about their upcoming debut album, Put A Smile On For Me, while backstage at Reading Festival after their set.
Brothers Finn and Conor Keogh looked back on the band’s 2025 EP Siren, which was largely recorded live. Finn said the group had to work quickly on that release before they had label support, and added that he liked the result.
The pair said they are drawn to recordings that balance polish with spontaneity. Finn explained that he is not chasing a glossy sound, while Conor said the strongest take is not always the most technically perfect one if it lacks emotion or energy.
Speaking about the new album, Finn said the band spent time in the studio repeatedly playing the songs until the right versions emerged. He said they tried to avoid overproduction, with their friend Harry Jordan capturing the band in a large room and bleeding the amps into the drum microphones. Put A Smile On For Me is due out on September 25 via Island Records.
