Twenty One Pilots continues to share their ambitious concept on “Levitate,” the third single from their highly-anticipated 3rd major label LP, ‘Trench.’

“Oh, I know how to levitate up off my feet / And ever since the seventh grade I learned to fire-breathe.”  Okay Tyler Joseph – I see you! Twenty One Pilots are back again with another single from their highly-anticipated third major-label LP, Trench. “Levitate” is the third advanced offering, and the briefest to date.  Like “Nico and the Niners”, Joseph showcases his ability to drop bars, never singing a note.  The results are positive, as they have been during the promo cycle for Trench.

“Levitate” commences enigmatically.  The pad has a floating, somewhat woozy sound that suits the title of the record, if nothing else.  Soon enough, the beat begins to develop, resulting in this awesome, hard-nosed anchor that’s incredibly rhythmic.  With a hard beat, as well as continual presences of the aforementioned pad, and the addition of various synths and sound effects, Tyler Joseph has ample fuel for the fire.  His flow in on-point – incredibly aggressive, turned-up, and ultimately, compelling.

Joseph makes some great points lyrically.  At the beginning of the first verse, he correctly observes that, “Cowards only come through when the hour’s late / And everyone’s asleep mind you.” While this is part of the Trench concept (Dema, bishops, jumpsuits, etc.), these open-ended lyrics are applicable to real-life.  The second verse is where his flow is most electrifying, featuring the killer lyric, “Don’t feed me to the vultures / I am a vulture who feeds on pain.” Also, he seems to visit familiar territory – matters of mental health, evidenced by the lyric, “Please, keep me from; please, keep me down from the ledges.”

Final Thoughts 

Short but sweet, Twenty One Pilots impress once more on “Levitate.” Whether or not the concept itself is a bit much through the course of three Trench singles, the band’s ambition is highly respectable.  Furthermore, the most accessible and relatable moments, as cited above in the third paragraph, truly make this an interesting listen, worth spinning over and over.  Great production and a sick flow from Tyler Joseph don’t hurt either.

Twenty One Pilots • Trench • Fueled by Ramen • Release: 10.5.18

Photo Credit: Fueled by Ramen