twenty one pilots took the world by storm with their last album, blurryface. They rose up with a fire and spread through the globe, igniting the hearts of many a fans before vanishing for almost a year. They left everyone breathless, waiting for the next album cycle, the next thing from the two piece group.
Last week, a cryptic video appeared on their social media. Then another. And then, feeling like a freight train out of nowhere, they dropped not one, but two new songs from their upcoming release, Trench. The songs, "Jumpsuit" & "Nico And The Niners", both connect to each other while taking their own twists and turns.
As it is with any band that gains popularity one a specific release, twenty one pilots are facing a lot of expectations from the fans. Their sound is so unique and covers a broad spectrum of influences, so it was a bit difficult to anticipate what their new album might lean towards.
For me, the songs did not disappoint.
"Jumpsuit" brings things out of the gate with a jump start, a faint siren in the background of the intro that's overtaken by this gritty, super-overdriven bass-line that is only matched by the drumming of Josh Dun. The intensity of the instrumental is balanced on the opposite end by Tyler Joseph's somber, almost subdued vocals. It's a darker tone for the band, not poppy or bright in the slightest.
The bridge/outro is easily my favorite part, as it's the most intriguing part musically and emotionally. The bridge consists of these echoing piano chords laying the groundwork for Joseph's quiet, almost heartbreaking lines:
"I'll be right there
But you'll have to grab my throat and lift me in the air
If you need anyone, I'll stop my plans
But you'll have to tie me down and then break both my hands"
It's done in a manner that's somewhat haunting, but becomes frantic as the chorus kicks back in for one last time even heavier than before. This time though, Joseph screams "jumpsuit, jumpsuit cover me" in a way that gets your adrenaline going and you head nodding. Lasting less than 10 seconds, the breakdown is satisfying in its intensity, yet leaves you wanting a lot more.
"Nico And The Niners" feels a bit more like blurryface, reminding me a bit of "Lane Boy" and "Ride". It's much slower, more relaxed as compared to "Jumpsuit", yet still retains that same darkness the first song brought with it. The focus is more lyrical, with the instrumental providing the background as opposed to leading the charge. This song feels a little less striking after "Jumpsuit", but has a repetition to it that leaves it playing in your head long after it ends.
My favorite part is during the bridge, where Joseph shows off some of his vocal prowess by spitting fast rhymes. It's only about 20 seconds, but his delivery is so swift and clear - it's incredibly impressive.
The new era of TOP has begun. I'm ready for what's next; I can't wait to see what the rest of the album sounds like.
Rating:
Jumpsuit - 4/5
Nico And The Niners - 3.5/5
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