Keno

Keno captures a very specific moment in time where the grit of 90s alternative rock began to merge with the high-gloss optimism of early 2000s pop. Their sound is defined by a sense of forward motion, anchored by HIRO's clear, emotive vocals and a rhythm section that feels both tight and breathy. It is music that feels inherently cinematic, often evoking the wide-eyed wonder of a protagonist starting a new journey.

What sets them apart is the integration of keyboards into a traditional rock framework. Instead of just providing background texture, the keys often lead the melodic charge, creating a shimmering, layered effect that softens the edges of their punk-adjacent riffs. There is a persistent warmth to their recordings, a 'golden hour' quality that makes even their more melancholic tracks feel ultimately hopeful and comforting.

For most listeners, the entry point is the iconic 'Ohayou.', which served as the opening theme for the original Hunter x Hunter anime. It perfectly encapsulates their appeal: a driving beat, a soaring chorus, and a melody that sticks in your head for decades. It is the sound of a new day beginning, full of potential and a touch of nostalgia for the night just passed.