Possibly like many of you, I’ve had a long and complicated relationship with twenty one pilots.
Hailing from Ohio, the alt-rock duo has been at it for well over a decade now, constantly winning fans over with their relatable, catchy songwriting mixed with a rather emo edge, even if it can border on cringe territory at times.
While I was a pretty big fan of their breakout records Vessel and Blurryface when I was younger, I find it hard to return to them now without wincing a bit.
Though the duo completely floored me with their 2018 record, Trench, a record I still adore to this day. While staying true to a lot of what made Tyler Joseph’s writing so resonant in the first place, the addition of more abrasive and adventurous production, along with a wider array of musical influences, really made Trench shine.
While 2021’s pop-leaning Scaled and Icy is much more hit or miss for me, there are definitely still interesting ideas, and Joseph’s songwriting continued to be quite personal and deep. Last year’s Clancy was another step up with some of their best bangers since the Trench era and overall one of their most rewarding listening experiences to date, which I can also say about this new one, if not more so.
Breach marks the band’s eighth studio release and possibly their most extravagant and fulfilling work to date. No song makes that more clear than the opening track, “City Walls.” Rivaling “Jumpsuit” as possibly their most explosive and emotive opener yet, this track is chock-full of lavish production, immersive melodies, and interwoven, narrative-driven lyrics.
Which reminds me, this album also acts as the thematic conclusion to the story the band has been telling for over 10 years now. To give you a brief rundown, Blurryface marked the beginning of the story of Clancy and his quest to escape the evil forces of Dema and head bishop Nico, all located within the continent of Trench.
There are countless dissections and discussions about the lore all across the internet and the twenty one pilots fanbase—so I won’t bore you too much with the details—but all the information is out there for you if you wish to learn more.
From my understanding, most of this story can also act as an allegory for Joseph’s various battles with mental health, depression, and faith over the years, and I’ve always admired it for that, its overall creativity, and what it means to fans.
So, as Breach acts as this story’s end, the overarching messages from this chapter of the band will never fade. And what a beginning of the end “City Walls” is, even having callbacks to beloved tracks like “Migraine,” “Heavydirtysoul,” and especially “Holding on to You.” Maybe the best opening number I’ve heard this year.
“RAWFEAR” keeps the streak going with a more pop-leaning cut reminiscent of Scaled and Icy but with an even greater emphasis on groove and nuanced lyricism.
Flowing perfectly into “Drum Show,” which I adored as a single and love even more in context, this track is home to some of the hardest-hitting guitars and booming percussion on the entire record, fittingly so, along with some major lyrical highlights as well.
A line I believe to be one of the core themes of the entire album is actually delivered by drummer Josh Dun, his first-ever vocal line on one of their songs.
“I’ve been this way; I want to change,” further showcases this album’s place in the band’s catalog and where they could possibly go from here.
Not to mention, this track is instantly relatable as well, chronicling one’s need for catharsis or meditation after a long day by singing their guts out on the highway or “putting on a drum show.” Along with Joseph’s signature screams, there’s nothing keeping me from calling this song a new and improved “Car Radio.”
“Garbage” continues this introspective, relatable edge with reverb-soaked keys and an ever-earnest vocal performance from Joseph. While the lyrics of “feeling like garbage” could come off as basic or cliché on the surface, the two still manage to give the track stakes, along with an interesting chord progression. Think Bo Burnham’s “Shit,” but without any of the humor masking the bleakness.
The lead single, “The Contract,” follows with even more unpredictability and confidence. This more lore-heavy track pays homage to the glory days of bands like Linkin Park with jittery electronics and drums, layered vocals, and one of Joseph’s finest melodic rapping performances since “Levitate.”
Next is the rather contentious yet deeply personal “Downstairs.” Originally crafted from a scrapped 14-year-old demo, this song oozes the energy of their early days but with a newfound sense of urgency and purpose.
While this track is a long and winding road, the journey it takes you on is anything but boring or corny. Joseph’s commanding vocals discuss themes of isolation and solitude overtop these clashing, distorted hits of percussion and bass; it’s a heartfelt look back at where the band started and an emotional centerpiece for this so far fantastic record.
“Robot Voices” livens things back up a bit with a playful, lovesick beat reminiscent of Death Cab for Cutie’s more electronic sibling, The Postal Service, with Joseph even sounding a bit like Ben Gibbard during the verses. Easily one of the most invigorating choruses on the whole album.
“Center Mass” and “Cottonwood” are two of my favorites here, with some of the most emotional weight behind them as well. While “Center Mass” discusses the toll of moving forward and healing atop this sputtery, dry, and rather jazz-influenced instrumental, the last minute or so has maybe the best build-up of the entire record, with a grandiose performance from Dun along with some of Joseph’s most vulnerable lyrics.
“Cottonwood” may be the most solemn moment of the record while also remaining quite hopeful. Dedicated to Joseph’s late grandfather, this track has already struck a chord with many fans, myself included, showing how the passage of time only makes you cherish various memories that much more, becoming a poignant and sentimental reminder of the love you’ll always hold onto.
“One Way” and “Days Lie Dormant” aren’t necessarily tracks I’ve been returning to outside the album, yet they are still a nice thematic and instrumental shift in the second half of the project.
Both tracks soar with confident vocal lines and pompous central grooves, further exemplifying the record’s themes of self-discovery and reclamation. I especially enjoy Dun’s voicemail in between the two cuts, getting a glimpse into the album sequencing process as well as a light laugh.
“Tally” is easily one of the most exciting songs on the record and their best penultimate track since “Trees.” With Dun reminding you why he is one of the best working drummers today and Joseph laying down some of the best vocals of his career, this track will have you on the edge of your seat for its entire runtime.
This song also has some of the most direct songwriting from Joseph since the self-titled days when it comes to his faith and devotion to bettering himself, making for an even more exhilarating and cathartic listen.
The final moments of “Intentions” close things out on a sincere and rather open-ended note. Calling back to the closing track of Vessel in its instrumental, this song is a dedication to their fans and this overarching story they’ve been telling for a decade now, reiterating the importance of finding, loving, and being yourself.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the digital exclusive track “Drag Path,” which was immediately adored upon release, with some even citing it as an “alternate” ending to this beloved story. While it’s not officially part of the tracklist, I can’t say anything for certain, yet it’s still a beautiful and anthemic epilogue and an interesting look at what could’ve been.
Overall, this is an incredible record and a full return to form for the boys. While it now rivals Trench as my favorite twenty one pilots album, it’s also a great footnote in the duo’s career thus far and shows just how far they’ve come as musicians, storytellers, and human beings. I look forward to seeing where their path leads from here. I’ll be holding on until then.
My rating: 9.4/10
Listen: twenty one pilots – City Walls (Official Video)
Support: TØP Site
