Twenty One Pilots, Trench | Album Review 💿

Following a three-year hiatus, Grammy-winning alternative duo Twenty One Pilots make a strong comeback on their fifth studio album, Trench.

Honestly, Twenty One Pilots had us “Stressed Out” about making a comeback. After a three-year hiatus, the Grammy-winning duo who notably accepted their award sans pants announced the arrival of their fifth studio album, Trench.  Even before the arrival of their truly superb fifth album, the advance singles issued by Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun suggested Trench would be a truly special album.

“Jumpsuit”

“Jumpsuit”, the wildly ambitious, brilliant opener, commences mysteriously, including distorted vocals by Tyler Joseph singing, “Cover Me.”  Those words end up being part of the conceptual narrative. The intro expands, including a heavy, assertive bass line and groove.  Additional sounds further fill out the production, before settling down when Joseph begins singing normally.  His vocals are tender on the chorus, which blends a conceptual narrative, self-consciousness, and insecurities.

“I can’t believe how much I hate
Pressures of a new place roll my way
Jumpsuit, jumpsuit, cover me
I crumble underneath the weight…”

The form is a bit nontraditional, but this unpredictability is part of the charm. “Jumpsuit” is an intriguing record for all of the aforementioned reasons, not to mention a unique concept dealing with a fictional place (Dema), bishops, and the yellow on the jumpsuit that the bishops can’t see.  It’s complex, but definitely alluring.

“Levitate”

“Oh, I know how to levitate up off my feet / And ever since the seventh grade I learned to fire-breathe.” Tyler Joseph showcases his ability to drop bars on “Levitate”, which begins enigmatically.  The evolving pad has a floating, somewhat woozy sound that suits the title of the record.  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 presence of the aforementioned pad, and the addition of various synths and sound effects, Joseph has ample fuel for the fire.  His flow is on-point – incredibly aggressive, turned-up, and ultimately, compelling.

He 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, 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.” Short but sweet, Twenty One Pilots continues to impress.

The groovy “Morph” finds Tyler Joseph rapping once again (on the verses), over a super sleek, minor-key backdrop.  Things change on the chorus, which is more melodic and a stark contrast from the verses.  Here, Joseph delivers a smooth, incredibly sweet falsetto.  “Morph” definitely exemplifies the ‘alternative’ label, fusing numerous styles superbly.

“My Blood”

“My Blood” keeps up the adventurous nature of Trench. There’s ample falsetto from Joseph, and more of a pop-infused sound.  Lyrically, on the first verse, he essentially asserts he’ll be your champion.  “When everyone you though you knew / Deserts your fight, I’ll go with you.”  His willingness continues on the pre-chorus, while he expands more on the second verse.  “Surrounded and up against a wall / I’ll shed ‘em all and go with you.” Eventually, the ‘blood’ gets involved during the chorus of the song.  Again, the key is leaning on to Tyler J – falsetto and all.

“Stay with me, no, you don’t need to run
Stay with me, my blood, you don’t need to run.”

Following all that excitement, there’s also a third verse, patterned similarly to the first two, save for more of a pop-rap approach.  A chorus and bridge separate a brief fourth verse: “If you find yourself in a lion’s den / I’ll jump right in and pull my pin.” Clearly, “My Blood” is directed towards someone Tyler cares about, or he wouldn’t be so willing to fight for them.  Musically, it sounds different from what precedes it, while maintaining the band’s knack for groove.

“Chlorine”

“Chlorine” is among the lengthiest songs on Trench.  Like much of the album, Twenty One Pilots are in experimental mode, blending a variety of sounds and styles.  While it falls under ‘alt-pop’, there’s a tinge of reggae, not to mention dabbling in rap and R&B. Joseph continues to impress with his distinct, expressive vocals, particularly his falsetto.  Following the lengthy “Chlorine,” the ‘dedicated’ “Smithereens” keeps things short and sweet. Once more, the falsetto is awesome.  A catchy, thoughtful chorus doesn’t hurt the cause either.

“For you, I’d go
Step to a dude much bigger than me
For you, I know
I would get messed up, weigh 153
For you
I would get beat to smithereens.”

Among the best, most powerful records from Trench is also one of the heaviest and most moody. “Neon Gravestones” dabbles with the delicate topic of suicide. Specifically, the record examines troublesome posthumous fame as well as potentially opting to commit suicide as an attention-seeking means.  Tyler Joseph is known for highlight mental health issues, and honestly, “Neon Gravestones” is among his biggest and boldest statements. “The Hype” is a fitting, encouraging follow-up, led by the chorus, clearly, the centerpiece.

“Nice to know my kind will be on my side
I don’t believe the hype
And you know you’re a terrible sight
But you’ll be just fine
Just don’t believe the hype.”

“Nico and the Niners”

“East is up, I’m carless when I wear my rebel clothes / East is up, when bishops come together they will know / Dema don’t control us, Dema don’t control / East is up.” Like much of Trench, the reggae-infused “Nico and the Niners” has a conceptual narrative.  On the chorus, Joseph references Dema – an apparent imaginary place – and bishops. Besides implying jumpsuits, he explicitly references them on the chorus – “I’m so high, my jumpsuit takes me so high / I’m flying from a fire, from Nico and the Niners.” Also, worth noting, throughout the course of the record, the production is excellent, filled with eclectic cues. The 808s, guitar, and synths stand out in particular. Joseph’s vocals are clear and expressive.

Although it’s firmly tied to the ambitious concept explored throughout, it is mental health and fortitude that best characterize “Cut My Lip.” The reggae-tinged record is laid-back, yet energetic at the same time (the fortitude after all). “I could take the high road / But I know I’m goin’ low.” That’s what Joseph accepts on the five-and-a-half-minute gem, “Bandito.” “Bandito” seems to find Joseph, rather ‘Clancy’ accept being ‘savage’ in order to attain freedom… or something like that.  At the same time, Genius annotators also seem to have discovered a cool anagram within the highlight – “Sahlo Folina” (All Ohio fans).

“Pet Cheetah”

Trench continues to impress up until the end. “Pet Cheetah” is wild – particularly the second verse – but also as entertaining as anything else.  You don’t find many more unique lines than “I’ve got a pet cheetah down in my basement / I’ve raised him, and bathed him / And named him Jason Statham.” On the penultimate record “Legend,” Tyler Joseph pays tribute to his grandfather who passed away in 2018.  “Leave the City” closes Trench strongly, representing overcoming the adversity of ‘Dema,’ though more notably, mental health issues.

“Last year, I need change of pace
Couldn’t take the pace of change
Moving hastily
But this year, though I’m far from home
In Trench, I’m not alone
These faces facin’ me.”

Final Thoughts 

Twenty One Pilots deliver one of the most ambitious and creative albums of 2018 with Trench.  While it took three years for Tyler and Josh to return, it was definitely well worth the wait.  There isn’t a bad song on this hour-long affair, and the duo do a fantastic job of making sure Trench contrasts Blurryface, as well as their previous projects.  Elite and well-rounded to say the least.

Gems: “Jumpsuit,” “Levitate,” “Neon Gravestones,” “Nico and the Niners,” “Bandito” & “Leave the City”

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

Photo Credit: Fueled by Ramen