Clancy is the culmination of a nine year saga for Twenty One Pilots. A thrilling journey that closes the book on their overarching story.
The album is a blend of TOP’s fictional story and Lead singer, Tyler Josephs reflections on growing older.
TOP has also leaned back into the style of their previous albums, Blurryface and Trench. In both presentation and sound.
“Welcome back to Trench”
Overcompensate is one of the best tracks TOP has put out in years. Full of adrenaline and flair, the duo are able to bring the listener back to Trench, re-establishing the story and the sound of the album.
Next Semester is a straight forward Pop-Punk song with a killer bridge and catchy chorus. It’s destined to be one that gets the crowd moving live.
Backslide is a narrative and stylistic continuation of the band well known song Stressed Out. A mid tempo song that is carried by Tyler Josephs impeccable delivery and ability to keep a consistent flow.
Midwest Indigo sees the band mix it up with a synth heavy intro that launches into a stripped back verse. It’s got a great build up and range of instruments that cover the duos constantly evolving sound.
Routines In The Night sees Tyler bring back blend of melodic singing and harsh raps he was known for during Blurryface. It stands out against the previous songs but it fits perfectly into the wider story of the album.
Vignette is a chaotic mix of sounds ranging from an eagle screeching to a furious drum beat, but somehow it works perfectly. The moody lyrics blending in with the instruments, creating an atmosphere just like Trench.
The Craving(Jenna’s version) follows Tyler singing a love song about his wife and his struggles. It’s touching and the stripped back sound adds to the loving atmosphere.
“If I’m gonna snap necks, then I gotta snap back”
Lavish brings in another switch up from the band. Reminiscent of their previous album, Scaled and Icy, it’s a gentle pop track that’s got comedic lyrics and lighter tone.
Navigating is another arena anthem. Full of screeching guitars and chant worthy lyrics, the duo take a couple notes out of Bloc Party’s book for their early 2000’s indie-esque chorus.
Snap Back keeps the mood light, it’s got a great beat and continues to build up the narrative and Clancy’s character.
Oldies Station is a weak song compared to the rest of the album. It’s got a fun tone but it doesn’t stand out enough compared to other songs on the album.
At The Risk Of Feeling Dumb starts of sounding like a carnival ride, the music whirling around before Tyler beings weaving a story of a lost friendship and a yearn for connection. The chorus creates a wall of sound similar to Blurryface.
Paladin Strait closes the album, and the Blurryface saga in an intersting way. foregoing a bombastic end, the band describes the final confrontation backed by an acoustic guitar and medium paced drums.
It’s a gentle end for a story about war. However, the band keeps the door open for more story in the future with a surprise waiting in the final fifteen seconds.
“I’m past the point of no return”
Twenty One Pilot’s have released their best album since 2018’s Trench, and it’s fantastic to see how they concluded their multi-album story.
The duo have displayed they have come a long way from Stressed Out and Lane Boy, whilst still keeping the same energy they had almost a decade ago.
Their previous album never clicked with me like Trench did, but Clancy is an incredible album worthy of your time
Clancy can be streamed on Spotify
Featured image credit: Rolling Stone
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