Now, if you’re someone who doesn’t usually dabble in the Alternative, Rock, Pop, Alternative Hip-Hop, Electropop, Indie Pop arena, then you arguably have a narrow-minded taste in music and are probably unaware of this American musical duo.

Drummer Josh Dun (on your left) and Lead Singer, Rapper, & Instrumentalist Tyler Joseph (on your right) are the two forces that make up this dynamic pair.

Twenty One Pilots was formed ever since 2009, but started receiving mainstream attention during 2015 with the release of their 2nd studio album “Blurryface” and their song “Heathens“ which was featured on the soundtrack for DC’s long-awaited movie, Suicide Squad. The song did exceptionally well climbing to #2 on The Billboard Hot 100.

Fast forward to October 5th, 2018, and the Grammy-winning duo releases their 3rd full-length studio album. And today, we’ll be counting down 5 of its must listen to tracks.

Ladies and gentlemen, Skeleton Clique, welcome to Trench!

#5. Pet Cheetah

Within just the few seconds, this songs captures your attention with its sharp and electrifying production. It honestly sounds like the intro music for a super villain in a movie, but in a very brilliant, non-gimmicky way.

Apart from the thunderous elements of the song, its chorus offers steady vocals that create a calming effect amidst the mystifying melody.

“No, I move slow/ I want to stop time/ I’ll sit here ’til I find the problem” , sings Tyler as you begin to realize the song is reflective of writing difficulties he encountered during his creative process – a mental block if you will.

But whether this song was just a manifestation of him getting over his writer’s block, it certainly gets you moving as you begin rocking rhythmically, especially during the outro “Pet Cheetah/ Pet Cheetah/ Pet Cheetah”.

#4. Jumpsuit

Although receiving some mix reception upon its release as the album’s lead single, Jumpsuit is one hell of a way to kick-start this unpredictable ride into the world of Dema – a fictional plane/sub-concept that’s alluded to several times both explicitly and implicitly throughout the record.

The patchy background blares, pulsing guitar rifts, and crashing drums envelope you immediately. As Tyler begins chanting lyrics using his inside voice, you can’t help but feel his conviction.

“I can’t believe how much I hate/ Pressures of a new place roll my way/ Jumpsuit, jumpsuit, cover me”. The more you hear the chorus the more anthemic and empowering the song becomes.

Truly, it emits this feel of embarking on a brand-new adventure. Furthermore, the track shifts in intensity with a light-eared bridge before becoming absolutely volatile near the end as Tyler begins roaring out for his jumpsuit to protect him.

It’s a very savory moment on the album considering this is the only time he goes into full screamo-mode. And for his sake, I hope his jumpsuit listened.

#3. My Blood

This stellar, smooth, disco-pop number will have you ensnared in an all out groove. It differs from much of what you’d expect from the group. From Tyler’s usage of his upper-register to the almost dream-like production.

(And I don’t know if it’s just me, but the chorus kinda reminds me of “Feel It Still” by Portugal The Man. Probably just the vocal delivery…)

The lyrical content tugs on the heart strings with its easily digestive honesty. “When everyone you thought you knew/ Deserts your fight, I’ll go with you”. Such lyrics highlight serious themes like loyalty, formidable bonds, and sticking together when life gets rough, all of which play well against the song’s light and enchanting instrumentation.

Overall, the track is uplifting, evokes emotions, and is 100% dance-worthy. It’s certain to stay with you for the many repeated listens to come.

#2. Neon Gravestones

It’s way more than a touching piano ballad. This song has a spacey atmosphere about it that draws you into an attentive state as you begin listening to the earnesty lacing the lyrical content.

“My opinion, our culture can treat a loss like it’s a win/ And right before we turn on them/ We give ’em the highest of praise/ And hang their banner from the ceiling/ Communicating, further engraving/ An earlier grave is an optional way/ No”, Tyler says bravely during the first verse.

And this is only a mere morsel of the lyrical profundity found throughout this track which bashes society’s habit of glorifying the act of suicide. Being a musical force that has always discussed darker themes, this song felt like a signature TOP track.

Additionally, the song urges listeners to stop romanticizing suicide and using it as a means of gaining temporary popularity and praise. Taking into account how quickly the dead is forgotten by the living, anyone experiencing these kinds of thoughts should take heed to the song’s enduring message and seek help.

With hopeful overtones, focused instrumentation, heartfelt spoken-word, and a call to action, Neon Gravestones is undoubtedly one of the best gems Trench has to offer.

**Honorable Mentions**

• Levitate

• Cut My Lip

• Morph

• Bandito

• Nico and The Niners

#1. Chlorine

This musical mood swing of a track will have you captivated from its inception. As there’s a droning whirring that sounds right before arguably the catchiest chorus on the album. “Sippin’ on straight chlorine/ Let the vibe slide over me/ This beat is a chemical, beat is a chemical.”

Its quirky use of diction opens the door for critical thinking, as you know find yourself debating on what exactly Tyler is alluding to. Is it literal chemical addiction/dependency, a metaphorical internal cleansing, or just the catharsis associated with making music?

In any event, the track pulls you into a stream of subconsciousness as the background chimes and apt percussion keeps the soul of the song moving steadily ahead. (And can we just take a moment to admire the refrain on this song? I fell in love with the vocal arrangement on the “Running for my life” part.)

And after the psychedelic and swooning melodies of the interlude, you’re hit with the outro. It’s slowed, somewhat haunting, yet beautiful. It makes you feel as if you’ve started listening to an entirely different song – yet another one of TOP’ signature traits.

All in all, Chlorine is the gift that keeps on giving. It’s 5 minutes and 25 seconds you won’t feel bothered by in the slightest, as you spam the replay button and rummage for more clues about the lyrics. Besides, this is a moment on Trench that is truly medical.

Did you agree with today’s list? Have you given this album a listen? What songs are your faves? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.

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And shoutout to Dan for recommending this list! I really enjoyed creating it.

Which Top 5 music-related list would you like to see next week? Let me know, and if it’s chosen, I’ll give you your very own shoutout on the next post. 

Thank you so much for reading and I’ll see you next time on Introverted-Insight!

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