Review: Twenty One Pilots, Vessel

Twenty One Pilots has been on my radar for about a year now. Close friends have been digging them for about that same amount of time, and they each have their own reasons why they’re into the band. Their unique blend of rap and pop provides a new way to enjoy the various styles, and the band’s garnished a pretty decent little following since 2010, when their first album debuted. Vessel is their first release on a major label, and some of the songs are old favorites to longtime fans.

The record is full of introspective dance beats, perfect for vocalist Tyler Joseph to sing and rap over. The two-man group considers themselves a schizoid pop duo, and Vessel certainly translates that perfectly. Many tracks like “Ode to Sleep” feature a driving verse that leads up to a completely different sounding chorus, which is sure to throw some people off. “Holding On To You” is a definite staple for Twenty One Pilots, featuring fun synth beats and Joseph’s quick-fire lyricism, along with a sing-a-long type chorus. The new version of “Guns for Hands” is an old favorite for fans, and feels just as new as the whole album.

Twenty One Pilots hails from Columbus, OH.

As I listen to Vessel, I feel like there’s something missing. I think the biggest thing for Twenty One Pilots is their live show, and on the record, the album almost feels empty without the live aspect. Everything is very tight musically, and live the duo just jams out and goes at it full-force. Take a look at half their videos online through Youtube and you’ll understand what I mean. Even the tracks where Joseph screams his words, it will evoke a moment for you, but it still lacks that full live show feel.

The lack of the live atmosphere doesn’t mean the record is terrible. It just leaves you wanting more. “Car Radio” is a deeply moving track, explore the idea of thought and on how life is, complete with a driving techno beat to finish it off. “Semi-Automatic” is probably the most catchy track on Vessel, while “Screen” has a Citizen Cope style piano beat to it. Overall, Vessel compliments a must-see live show for Twenty One Pilots, even if it lacks a certain feeling. If you got into Imagine Dragons last year, you’ll find Twenty One Pilots as something great to discover in 2013.