Twenty One Pilots Delivers with a New Album
October 25, 2018
After Blurryface ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s 200 charts in 2015, Twenty One Pilots is back with another album—and this one is even better.
The new release, Trench, is currently sitting at No. 7 in the charts three weeks after its release. It is a continuation of the 2015 concept album, which centers on Blurryface, a character that embodies lead singer Tyler Joseph’s insecurities.
In Trench, we get another glimpse of the alternate reality the band has created. This time, it’s in a city called Dema. While the storyline in this album is less defined than Blurryface, the same themes of stress, anxiety and insecurity are present.
“Jumpsuit,” the first track, starts off with a heavy sound that examines the pressures of fame.
“I can’t believe how much I hate pressures of a new place, roll my way. Jumpsuit, jumpsuit, cover me,” Joseph sings, accompanied by intense bass.
The metaphorical jumpsuit could symbolize some sort of protection from the stress. It is referenced later in “Nico And The Niners,” showing a matureness in how the album flows together.
Other popular tracks are “Morph” and “Chlorine,” both of which have moved into the band’s top five most popular songs on Spotify.
“Chlorine” is my personal favorite with its fun drum beat and clever lyrics. Fans have deciphered many meanings out of it, but one common perception is that the song is about songwriting itself and how it can cleanse yet burn, just like chlorine.
“Sippin’ on straight chlorine, let the vibe slide over me. This beat is a chemical, beat is a chemical,” Joseph sings to open the song.
Chlorine is deadly, but it kills unwanted substances. Songwriting cleanses in the same way for Joseph, and the potential pain seems to be addicting.
Along with the deep lyrics, Trench features creative and impactful beats from drummer Josh Dun and Joseph on the piano and bass. The album has a perfect balance of chill vibes, like the quirky love song “Smithereens,” and more intense beats, found in “Levitate” and “Jumpsuit.”
While each song has its own sound and story, it is hard to separate one from the next completely. For those who appreciate music for only the sound, this may not matter. But if you’re searching for an album that will make you think and blow your mind, Trench will more than satisfy.