Some may argue that the last decade of mainstream Pop music has seen a steady decline in musicianship. With the advent of simplistic vacuous lyrical content, ultra-shiny production, and largely auto-tuned vocals, for many, there is not much appeal. However, there are a few diamonds in the rough who have infiltrated the Pop music formula like Twenty One Pilots.
Originally formed as a band back in 2009, but ultimately known as a duo of Vocalist/Multi-instrumentalist/Songwriter Tyler Joseph and Drummer Josh Dunn, Twenty One Pilots had some early successes, but first made a massive commercial impact in 2015 with hits like “Stressed Out.” A track a part of their fourth studio album, Blurryface, became the first album in the digital era to have each of its tracks receive at least a gold certification. A massive accomplishment, Twenty One Pilots showed that you could mix Rock, Pop, Alternative elements, Synthrock, Reggae, and Hip Hop into something that holds more weight than much of what is topping chats nowadays.
Growing from here, 2018’s Trench was yet another expectational collection of songs, and 2021’s Scaled and Icy showcased the duo’s yearning to push their sound in different directions. Now in 2024, they return with their seventh overall studio album Clancy. Released on May 24th through Fueled By Ramen, the latest efforts from Twenty Pilots are said to be the final chapter of the band’s nearly decade-long conceptual series that began back in 2018 with Trench. Essentially, the ideas tied in are explored in Trench; where Joseph and Dunn have now escaped one place to return to another. Something you need to dig into the lyrics to follow the correlation, beyond these aspects, Clancy is truly another step forward for Twenty One Pilots.
Thirteen songs in total, there are many moods explored with varied tempos and colorful sounds heavily laden with Synthrock, but also leaning slightly toward Alternative Rock. Drawn out in a manner that keeps you interested, some of the boldest highlights include, but are not limited to, the singles “Overcompensate,” “Next Semester” and “Backslide.” Ranging from almost Progressive sounding to upbeat, Pop Punk, they once more show that no genre can hold this group in one place. However, perhaps the most engaging track of this entire collection would have to be “Routines in the Night.” Something not to miss, it has a catchy sensation and various layers that stick with you. Beyond this, you also have the lovely stripped-back “The Craving (Jenna’s Version), “Navigating,” dazzling build of “Paladin Street.”
Overall, Twenty One Pilots has continued to keep with their non-conformist approach to music which throws caution to the wind of what might be trending at this time. An act that can fit anywhere, fans of any type should accept them with open arms and appreciate the work they put into each song. With this in mind, Clancy is a near-flawless album from Twenty One Pilots that only keeps you wondering what may follow. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this album 4 out of 5 stars.
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