Album Review: ‘Trench’ by Twenty One Pilots (2018)
I’ll admit it right away - I’m a massive TOP fan - so much so I’ve seen them 3 times before the Trench era and my first ever tattoo was the old Blurryface era logo. I’ve been pumped for this album and loved all the singles, and decided to bring back the album reviews for a one-off to showcase my opinions on each song
I repeat - My opinions! I’ve read and watched all kinds of other opinions and respect them all as that specific person’s, so don’t moan if I dislike something you like!
I’ll be grading on a A* - F classic school grade (except E - who even gets an E?). Each letter gets a + or - (i.e. B+, B and C-), and there’s an A* for some of my favourite ever songs and a U for songs that don’t count as songs (not due to poor quality, but things like comedy songs, remasters or skits)
JUMPSUIT - The best opening song on any TOP album and possibly one the best on ANY album! A headphone-breaking bass line, catchy chorus, and that ending, wow. Even just listening on my sofa I can feel the power through my whole body and need to move myself to the beat! A*
LEVITATE - I do love a good transition between songs, and what a song to go into after a strong start. Easily my favourite backing track with the tribal windpipes and quick drumming - and the lyrics just don’t stop! Some TOP songs get a bit repetitive, but this song doesn’t get boring even after all the listening I’ve done! A+
MORPH - Still going strong into my favourite lyrics and flow of the album - The pre-chorus is fantastic, and the verses are just great to listen to. I do wish the sound effects before the third verse were longer, as it would be a fantastic break from the song. A+
MY BLOOD - Another fantastic bassline and one hell of a catchy chorus. So far, it’s 4 homeruns in a row! A+
CHLORINE - The song starts like it’s about to go heavy, but I was a little let down by the pop vibes, but the heavy bassline made up for that a bit. Despite this, and the slow verses, it’s still got a catchy chorus with a great piano backing. The song gets better the longer it gets, and ends great with the voice filters and slowed down drumming. A-
SMITHEREENS - As the lyrics say, Tyler just had to do a romantic song in the album. It’s definitely better than last album’s Tear In My Heart, and even brings some new elements like a stronger drum track and even some panpipes! It doesn’t drag either, as it’s over before the 3 minute mark - which is a perfect length. A-
NEON GRAVESTONES - What a message. What a rap. What a song. If for some reason you’re reading this and haven’t heard this year, go do that now. A*
THE HYPE - Very catchy and started out as one of my favourites. It’s very alt chart pop, like Imagine Dragons, but one of their good ones! A
NICO AND THE NINERS - A great swap to a reggae inspired track after possibly a few too many pop based tracks in a row, and this track has just grown with each and every listen. My favourite part just has to be the vocal effects during the pre-chorus and chorus with the subtle deeper voice. A+
CUT MY LIP - Started out as one of my least liked, but it has grown with the repeats due to the great bass and loud chorus compared to Tyler’s normal quiet voice. A-
BANDITO - A controversial opinion, but I’m not a fan of this song sadly. It’s not bad per se, but it just doesn’t have the payoff for the good climatic build it brings. The first verse is the worst in the album, but the backing track towards the end keeps the grade above a C. B-
PET CHEETAH - This song brings the harder elements that Chlorine teased, and it delivers with a strong beat, and great rapping and vocal effects. A
LEGEND - Fantastic song that’s not getting the love it deserves. A classic TOP song with a cheery, upbeat song but lyrics about the passing of his Granddad. A+
LEAVE THE CITY - A classic TOP album ending song - a slow piano ballad with the same theme as Truce and Goner. A good backing track and slow build up, but it doesn’t have the same explosiveness as Goner, which felt like Bandito all over again, but the end is still good so doesn’t make me hate the song! A
What an album, and what a change for the band. Blurryface was very mixed, and even Vessel had a few oddities, but so far, I’m in love with almost every song on this album, and even some I disliked on first listens I’ve grown to like. The growth in vocals, instrumentals, instrument work and even just with the lyrics too are massive and reflect with the master crafted album that easily makes it into one of my favourite ever.
