Twenty One Pilots shines on new “Clancy” album
"Clancy" has been a long time coming from Twenty One Pilots, a project that lead singer Tyler Joseph has envisioned since their 2015 album, "Blurryface." Watching the evolution of the band's music, albums, and storyline since 2015 has been a joy, and I'm fortunate to have witnessed it all unfold.
The complex narrative has reached its conclusion, while the band has continued to push their musical boundaries. "Clancy" manages to encapsulate elements from previous albums while creating something entirely new. The synthetic beat in "Midwest Indigo" evokes the sound of "Vessel’s" "Semi-Automatic," and "The Craving" feels like a continuation of "Blurryface’s" "Tear in My Heart." Meanwhile, tracks like "Lavish" and "Vignette" offer completely fresh beats and lyrics.
Josh Dun’s drumming perfectly complements Tyler’s vocals and lyrical genius, even though I was personally disappointed not to hear Josh’s vocals on this album. The album delves further into Tyler’s struggle with depression, with tracks like "Next Semester," "Backslide," "Vignette," "Navigating," and "Snap Back" being the most direct in this regard. "Next Semester" and "Navigating" introduce a new bass and guitar pace that the band hasn't explored until now. Tyler consistently pairs his most introspective thoughts with alternative, fast-paced rhythms, much like in "Not Today."
While "Blurryface" holds a special place in my heart, "Clancy" might very well be their best album. The band has truly outdone themselves, creating a beautiful continuation and conclusion to the "Blurryface" storyline.
"Midwest Indigo" has become my favorite track on the album, especially with a cameo from my favorite band member, Jim Dun, in the music video. The video also features Jenna Joseph pregnant with their first son, Tommy Joseph, and Josh’s brother, Jordan Dun. "Midwest Indigo" kicks off with an 80s pop synth sound before Josh’s lively drums kick in. Despite its upbeat tempo, the lyrics delve into darker themes, reminiscent of the sound heard on the band's 2018 album, "Trench." I can't wait to experience this song live; its lively beat is irresistible and brings back the upbeat pop sound we last heard on their 2021 album, "Scaled and Icy."
"Routines In The Night" continues the bold narrative of the Clancy storyline. The music video bears resemblance to the "Fairly Local" video, both featuring houses and Tyler sporting Clancy’s red eyes. Tyler sits in front of nine robes symbolizing Nico and the Niners, while the Bishop lurks in the dark corner behind Josh as he drums.
"Vignette" starts with a classical introduction followed by Tyler’s keys and Josh’s drums, accompanied by the screech of a vulture, as seen on the cover of "Trench" (indicating this song takes place in Trench). The song adopts an R&B pace with subtle, yet impactful beats. The chorus revisits the classical music theme. In "Vignette," the term is both literal and figurative; it represents the darkness surrounding a frame, which Tyler uses as a metaphor for the darkness occupying one's mind. To combat the vignette is to combat anxieties; just as anxieties can overwhelm, so can the vignette, or perhaps they are one and the same. Tyler often communicates intimately with his audience through his songs, and in this track, his use of the word "denial" feels conversational, establishing a beautiful and intimate connection between the band and its fans.
“Lavish” introduces a truly fresh sound from the band, which feels both invigorating and perfectly in line with their style. It's exciting to witness the band not only delivering what their fans adore but also exploring something entirely new and progressive. The music video for “Lavish” stands out as my favorite from the album, featuring Josh and Tyler donning lavish suits as they cruise through Columbus, Ohio, in a luxurious limousine. With a humorous tone present in each music video, Tyler and Josh exude the joy of simply being themselves and enjoying each other’s company. Similar to the camaraderie showcased in the “Stressed Out” music video, “Lavish” directly references this bond with lyrics like “sip a Capri Sun like it’s Dom Perignon,” as they continue the Capri Sun imagery. Could “Lavish” be a reflection of the band's journey since the release of “Stressed Out” from "Blurryface"? Given the global success of “Stressed Out,” does “Lavish” pay homage to their newfound ability to live life to the fullest?
“Navigating” shares sonic elements with tracks like “Next Semester” and “Midwest Indigo,” blending an 80s synth beat with lively guitar and drum rhythms. The phrase “navigating my head” reflects Tyler's struggle to manage his thoughts before he can navigate his life, highlighting the challenge of prioritizing mental health amidst intrusive thoughts. The music video serves as a continuation of the narrative from the “Overcompensate” video, portraying Josh as the torchbearer guiding Tyler through Trench, symbolizing his journey through his own mind. As the video progresses, it becomes clear that Tyler has been navigating himself all along, culminating in a realization where Tyler meets Josh at the end, signifying his personal growth and self-reliance.
“Snap Back” feels like a natural extension of “Backslide,” not only in its title reference but in its thematic exploration of sliding back into a depressive state. The song delves into the struggle of regaining stability and happiness after experiencing setbacks, with Tyler singing about the fear of reverting to a depressive state, reminiscent of his struggles at 17. It illustrates how external pressure can disrupt one's mental equilibrium. The slow-paced drums and Tyler’s drawn-out vocals create a poignant atmosphere, while the music video provides a memorable callback to the iconic “Car Radio” moment when Tyler shaves his head.
“Oldies Station” takes on a more hopeful tone, celebrating the journey of life with its ups and downs. Tyler reflects on his personal growth and the wisdom gained from life's experiences, emphasizing the importance of embracing change. The song serves as a reminder of the band's ethos of resilience and perseverance, urging listeners to keep moving forward despite challenges.
“Paladin Straight” starts with Tyler on the ukulele, a signature beginning for Twenty One Pilots, but with a fresh sound. As the closing track of the album, it follows the tradition of the band's concluding songs being emotionally impactful. Despite its title placement, the song picks up in pace, with Josh’s drums gradually building into an uplifting anthem about looking towards the future and crossing the metaphorical “Paladin Straight” to find hope and purpose in life. The song fades out with birds chirping, creating a sense of closure. Tyler’s promise of clarity regarding the album's storyline and lore rings true in this song, as he decisively concludes the narrative without leaving room for speculation. The story has been told, and now it's time to move forward.
“On the ground are banditos, fighting while I find Nico. Even though I’m past the point of no return. Climb the top of the tower, “show yourself,” I yell louder, even though I’m past the point of no ret–” Tyler’s voice is suddenly interrupted by Clancy himself, who interjects, “so few, so proud, so emotional. Hello, Clancy.” Clancy's remark refers to the iconic line from “Fairly Local,” which has become synonymous with Twenty One Pilots and the fan base. The abbreviation for “the few, the proud, the emotional” (FPE) is a recurring motif in their music videos and merchandise, embodying the identity of their dedicated fans.
While it might be a few more years until the band releases their next studio album, fans can anticipate the beginning of a new era and storyline. Fortunately, in the meantime, Twenty One Pilots has provided us with four albums continuing the narratives of Blurryface and Clancy, along with their earlier works, including Self-Titled, Regional at Best, and Vessel. Their discography is a testament to their creativity, featuring a captivating and interactive storyline unlike anything seen before.
The Clancy World Tour is set to kick off in August 2024 with two nights in Denver, Colorado, at the Ball Arena, concluding in May 2025 with a final two nights in London, UK, at The O2. Fans can expect an unforgettable experience, as the band delivers a breathtaking live show that brings their music and story to life in a more intense and energetic manner than what can be conveyed through albums alone. It's a tour not to be missed for any fan of Twenty One Pilots.
I would give this album 3 out of 4 stars.