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HI! It's been awhile but the hiatus is OFFICIALLY over! I had to work on getting my life in order and I had to set this blog to the side for awhile. Needless to say, i've gotten life on the right track and i'm ready to check out some new tunes again! It really couldn't have come at a better time either, i've been really looking forward to this album for awhile. But first, let me tell you some of my background and my introduction to Twenty One Pilots. So... first off, i'm from COLUMBUS, OHIO!!! No shit! Born and raised. Groveport and Gahanna to be precise, but then I spent most of my 20's near downtown on the famous, "southside"! Haha. So, let's rewind back to 2013. My friend Ryan, who I worked with at a pawn shop, asked me if I had ever heard of TOP before. I said no and he preceded to tell me they were getting BIG. I've been playing and writing music since 2001 and usually have my ear to the ground for EVERYTHING and I completely missed them. Even when he first played me one of their songs, I believe I walked away. It wasn't until 2015 when I heard "Car Radio" on a website I was reviewing for called, "Slice The Pie", that I became a fan. After they showed me who the band was when I was finished reviewing the track, I had an "Oh Shit" moment. My friend was right. They were about to get BIG. So now i'm a fan. I checked out their older songs and found favorites on all of their albums. I really like "Ode To Sleep". Like, REALLY like that song. So then Blurryface comes out, followed by Heathens. I am hooked. The only band to hit me this hard this past decade was Ocean Grove. So, all of a sudden, a band from my hometown, that I had no clue about, is the number 1 band in America. Pretty cool that they accomplished something I was never able to do, put COLUMBUS on the map. They did the leg work, now all of you need to check out other bands, including myself, from here. There's a TON of cool bands in Columbus and I guarantee, you'll at least like a couple of us! So back to it! Jumpsuit comes out. All of a sudden I realize they've created a CONCEPT ALBUM!!! I FUCKING love concept albums. Dark Side Of The Moon is one of my favorite albums of all time and any band that attempts to make a concept album, INSTANTLY has my respect. That shit is hard. As a musician, sometimes songs don't just come to you, let alone ones that follow a theme. So then Nico, Levitate and My Blood come out. All i'm gonna say is that so far, i'm floored. It's been a LONG while since I followed what was going on with an album every day. This album has my full undivided attention. I'm about to dab cookie and space out. I missed you 30 random people! It's good to be back. Let's start.
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Track 1 - Jumpsuit
I was hooked on this song from the moment I heard it. I've really been getting into heavier music again as I record my own album and the way Tyler screams on this track is fucking inspiring. It's full of emotion and definitely sounds better than 90% of the rock bands on our station, 99.7 The Blitz. This track was awesome! It made me literally put it on repeat and learn every single word. Those are the kinds of tracks that make you a fan for life and this band is well on their way to overthrowing Incubus as my new favorite band. I really love this song. Already one of the most memorable tracks of 2018.
5/5
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Track 2 - Levitate
Another song like the first, this made me want to learn the words fast as well. The rap was extremely hard to get down, but I got it. You knew I would! I really liked the way they made Jumpsuit flow into this song. I've always loved when bands do that because it makes the concept all the more real. One of the things I like about Tyler is how he literally is one of the best rappers and rockers on the Earth at the same moment right now. His rap verses inspire me more than most rappers and the screams make me wanna grab my guitar and write something fucking angsty! So once again, definitely another song to add to your Spotify playlist!
5/5
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Track 3 - Morph
This was the first new track I got to hear off Trench. Tyler has well documented his beliefs when it comes to religion. This song showcases how mature this band has become. This song is a full pop/r&b/rap masterpiece that envokes that 70's r&b/Marvin Gaye vibe when the chorus hits. Definitely another song that fits the narrative of a concept album, with another mention of "Nico". The musicality on this track has definitey come together on this track as Tyler and Josh have become completely confident as musicians. I really hope i'm not the only person who thought he said, "I'm off to someone else". I thought to myself damn, that's cold to Jenna. But alas, he says, "I'll morph to someone else". I have a feeling people will be confused until they read the lyrics like I did.
5/5
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Track 4 - My Blood
This was the sleeper track out of the first 4 songs released. It's good, but the other songs are much, much better. I guess I like the aggression of the other tracks as opposed to this, more ballady track. BUT... that was all said before I heard the song about 20 times. It's actually a really good song. It's one of those that, kinda starts out slow and if you don't give it a chance, you completely miss how cool it becomes. Tyler really got in touch with his inner "Marvin Gaye" on this album. His rap game is completely on point at this point in his career and now he's just refining it on tracks like this. Awesome song afterall. Not the best, but great nonetheless. I really like the Neverending Story synth in the background. You'll know it when you hear it. =0)
4.5/5
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Track 5 - Chlorine
This was the first new song that had me like, "what did he just say???"? It's kind of a shocking lyric that's probably going to have a couple of kids end up at poison control centers. HAha. For real. I bet by the end of next week we hear of some dumb ass kid trying this out. With that being said, the song itself is EXCELLENT. Besides, Jumpsuit and Levitate, it was the first song that jumped out as an instant favorite to me. The break in this song, really sounds like something beautiful you would hear coming from a church. I'm guessing that was inspired by his younger years. I like it, I like it a LOT!
5/5
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Track 6 - Smithereens
So... of course, Tyler had to include a song to his wife on the album. But, it's actually a catchy little tune! The lyrics are very fun and playful. It's really nothing like anything i've ever heard from them. I'm pretty sure he even sneaks in a "fuck you" in there. The way he does it reminded me of the way Brandon Boyd did it on the song, "Agoraphobia" at the end. It's so subtle that it's kinda hard to notice, but at the same time, you hear it. I really don't think i've ever heard Tyler cuss. Does he? I really have no clue about this. Actually, i'm pretty sure that if he did on this track, it may be the first time.
4.5/5
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Track 7 - Neon Gravestones
Wow. If you thought the Car Radio lyrics were deep, then this song will make that song sound like a children's television theme song. Definitely the darkest and deepest song i've ever heard from him, this one really makes you think about the way we act as a society when a celebrity kills themselves. Why do we celebrate that? We instantly make them Gods and speak up their name way more than when they were alive. I feel like, he really doesn't want to fall into the "gone before their time" trap, like so many greats before him. But at the same time, he still feels like he might lose the battle. I feel for him. Life's hard sometimes. Being from Columbus, close to Tyler's age and close to people with mental illness, I really can relate to his music better than a lot of people can. There's just certain things you have to be from here to understand, like our weather, our potholes, the fucking non stop construction that's making us one of the fastest growing cities in the country and our personalities. Ohio folks are one of a kind, but we all deal with a lot of the same daily bullshit together. Look this up for fun. The great Zanesville zoo escape of 2011. It even made national news and sparked a huge debate. Sad, great song.
5/5
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Track 8 - The Hype
I don't know why, but this song really reminds me of an Incubus song. One thing I do wish they would do is get a guitarist. I feel like, that would really take a lot off of Tyler's shoulders and give the band a fuller sound. Honestly, I can't remember a band where the bass was the dominant instrument in the band. I know The Police had Sting and he played the bass, but that's the closest I can think of. I really like the chorus on this song. It's the kind that will make you want to take a drive just to sing this song at the top of your lungs. This album really has a 70's / 80's vibe to it at times and the influences and styles used are across the board. This song really takes all of that and incorporates it in. This one is a really nice carefree track.
4.5/5
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Track 9 - Nico And The Niners
So when this track was released second, I was ecstatic! I couldn't believe how fast they dropped 2 new singles with accompanying music videos. They planned this album really well. I love this song too, another one that made me wanna learn the rap instantly. It definitely took a good 2 weeks of listening to it 3-10 times a day to do it, but I got it down too! The groove on this song is definitely a head rocker. I'm still a little lost on how all of the songs fit together, but i'm sure as I listen more, i'll start to see the larger story as a whole.
5/5
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Track 10 - Cut My Lip
This so far, is one of my least favorite tracks. But, don't get me wrong, even at their least, they're still awesome. It's just kinda slow and really reverby/echoey. His high voice part is pretty cool and is the stand-out part of the song. I didn't hate this track, I just didn't love it like the rest. Not too bad though.
3.5/5
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Track 11 - Bandito
Perhaps the chillest track on "Trench" this song is a good song to fall asleep to. The Beatles influence on this track is strong and they do it very well. Tyler has studied up on his classic music and the influences really shine through on this album. The spoken word part of the track is simply amazing and his lyrics really have never been better. It's really going to take some time and lyrics in front of me to make the connection between all of the songs on here. So far, it only seems evident in a couple of songs. The break in this song is beautiful. I'm a sucker for a good synth and that one sounds awesome.
4/5
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Track 12 - Pet Cheetah
OMFG. This song... When I played through the album for the first time, this was the one track that instantly made me replay it 20 times. EASILY, the standout track on "Trench" to me. It's kind of a Jumpsuit and Nico And The Niners blending. It's basically about Tyler's writing process and how he doesn't consider a song finished until he finds "the problem". The rap part is phenomenal and will have tons of people wanting a Pet Cheetah that they too can name "Jason Statham". Haha. This song is dope. Like super dope that will have you feeling fucked up for days.
5/5
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Track 13 - Legend
So every TOP fan knows that Tyler was very close to his grandfather. Sadly, he passed away within the past year and wasn't able to hear their new record. This track is a very heartfelt celebration of his life. It has a very 90's vibe to it and even though it's super-sad, at the same time it's very upbeat and kind of happy too. Everyone should be so lucky to have a grandparent to instill the knowledge that his did. R.I.P. Grandpa Joseph.
5/5
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Track 14 - Leave The City
This song definitely follows the theme of what I expected "Trench" to be. I can't wait until I fully understand all of the songs as a whole. This one is a little slower and makes for a good album closer and when that Neverending Story synth hits again, it instantly made me smile. I really dig that synth. Overall, not my favorite song, but it's another good one that fits this album excellent.
4/5
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Overall - 65/70
So... Overall, Trench was not what I expected. To a degree, it was. But after hearing "Jumpsuit" I thought there was going to be more screaming. I'm pretty sure I only noticed one other one in "Pet Cheetah". I almost wish they would do a heavy album. If they ever did that, I would be super-happy! But... this band is sooooooo much more than just that. They have entered a realm where they can do no wrong now. Every song they write will be super analyzed for clues from here on out. Be honest, how many of you also went back and listened to everything trying to find connections. The coolest one I found was that "East Is Up" meant to turn the "Blurryface" album sideways. This is an instant classic album that will stay on the charts for months. I don't doubt a triple platinum weekend in the US. AMAZING job fellows. Till next time, i'll be "sipping on straight chlorine"! But not really... Haha. Willowbee out.
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