Twenty One Pilots, Level of Concern | Track Review 🎵

In a time filled with anxiety (COVID-19), Twenty One Pilots’ “Level of Concern” helps to assuage; it’s one of the grooviest songs of 2020.

“Wonderin’ would you be my little quarantine? / Or is this the way it ends?” Twenty One Pilots are pretty awesome at the music thing – at least in my humble opinion. The Grammy-winning alternative collective (Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun) didn’t get the amount buzz that they deserved for Trench (2018), another incredibly well conceived album.  Of course, Trench followed their breakthrough project, Blurryface – quite a tough act to follow.  With the effects of COVID-19 leaving no one untouched, Joseph and Dun release an instant hit, “Level of Concern.” This is easily one of the catchiest and grooviest records of 2020.

“Level of Concern” is one of the musical crown jewels born out of the “horrible, awful, no good” coronavirus pandemic.  Tyler Joseph delivers an honest vocal performance, as he shares his thoughts on the state of the world and of course, his anxiety. “Panic on the brain, world has gone insane / Things are starting to get heavy,” he sings on the first verse, adding, “I can’t help but think I haven’t felt this way / Since I asked you to go steady.” Indeed, COVID-19 is not only novel in its virility but it also has forced a ‘new normal’ that’s uncomfortable, particularly the social effects.  Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus, speaking directly to anxiety, discomfort, and uncertainty:

“Cause I told you my level of concern
But you walked by like you never heard
And you could bring down my level of concern
Just need you to tell me you’re alright
Tell me we’re okay.”

Joseph is accompanied by one of the most danceable, funky backdrops of his career, driven by the drum groove (Dun), rhythmic guitar, and keyboards. Joseph wrote this awesome record, producing it with Paul Meany.

Final Thoughts 

Sure, Twenty One Pilots are as concerned as anyone else about the novel coronavirus and its effects on everyday life, but “Level of Concern” is a truly outstanding means to convey it.  This is a well-written, well-produced, and an exceptionally performed record by all means.  Honestly, l think it means even more during this time of uncertainly than had it been released at a different time.

Twenty One Pilots • “Level of Concern” • Fueled by Ramen • Release: 4.9.20

Photo Credit: Fueled by Ramen