Revisiting Twenty One Pilots through Breach, by Karla Garcia
- wmsr60
- Oct 4
- 5 min read
Discovering Twenty One Pilots (abbreviated as tøp) in middle school completely changed my outlook on music. Tracks were no longer simply danceable beats and heartthrobbing lyrics; songs became much more. Music turned experimental and raw — an expression of the self, the mystical, and the emotional. Twenty One Pilots introduced me to lyrical poetry, combining figurative language with biblical mentions alongside a blending of genres through MIDI tracks and fervid drums. The band originally formed in 2009 with lead singer Tyler Joseph alongside Nick Thomas and Chris Salih. In 2011, following Thomas’ and Salih’s departure, Twenty One Pilots became a musical duo with the addition of drummer Josh Dun. Originating in Columbus, Ohio, Twenty One Pilots creates music with an undefinable style. The verse, “This is not rap, this is not hip-hop/Just another attempt to make the voices stop,” encapsulates tøp’s mission and is evident throughout their discography.
In particular, their 2015 album, Blurryface, became my go-to. I would replay it multiple times in a day, no skips, just pure enjoyment. Songs like “Heavydirtysoul,” “Doubt,” “Polarize,” “Message Man,” and “Hometown” were unexplainably beautiful. I had never resonated so much with music as I had with these tracks. Tøp’s vocal and instrumental delivery were phenomenal. Their records provided more than musical fusion; Tyler’s lyrics pondered existence through the human mind and the uncanny. Blurryface defined my teenage years and led me to earlier releases: Vessel, Regional at Best, and Twenty One Pilots. Sadly, I took a break from them a few years later (yes, very silly, I know). Now, in 2025, tøp’s newly released album Breach has me falling for their tracks all over again. Like a prodigal son, I’ve come back to revisit Twenty One Pilots, uncovering a plethora of new music.
Breach was released on September 12th, marking the band’s eighth studio album. The album contains 13 songs, 6 of which I’ll discuss here. While I appreciated each track, I’ll note here the songs that got a second listen when I was streaming Breach. Its opening number, “City Walls,” introduces a fierce concept, paying homage to “Holding on to You” as Tyler screams “entertain my faith.” Similarly, the line “island of violence” ties back to “Migraine.” Beginning with a minute-long instrumental, the song shifts from intricate rapping to sentimental vocals to flute-led sections. (The flute sound is still growing on me.) Ending with a snippet from “Heavydirtysoul,” “City Walls” completes the Dema storyline created during Blurryface. “Drum Show,” the third track, commemorates Josh’s journey as an artist. This dynamic song highlights his tendency to “drown it out” through drumming. Unexpectedly, Josh tranquilly sings, “I’ve been this way/I want to change,” signaling a new era for him — one in which he, too, leads vocally. The record’s crisp percussion and rumbly bass parallel the lyrical sentiments of “Drum Show.”
The eighth track, “Center Mass,” is creatively produced, tying fandom lore with lucid rap to create an alternative groove. The song opens with a jazzy piano and digital effects, sampling the iconic “Girl, I really don’t think you should take that” line from tøp’s concert in Manchester, where a fan reacted to someone stealing a drum post-show. The track's backbeat infuses snappy snares and hi-hats. The highlight of “Center Mass” is the bridge and outro. Tyler’s vocals shift from smooth to emotive. Surrounded by powerful kicks, he delivers the lyrics: “I miss you so, so much, take what you want from me/Took you for granted.” This number vividly expresses loss, linking pain to when someone or something “fades.” “Cottonwood” follows as the ninth track. Full of nostalgia and longing, the song maintains a gentle mood. Infusing mellow synths with soft drum fills, the record builds frisson, or sensory chills. Lyrically, “Cottonwood” is bittersweet. Verses like “I don’t condemn you,” and “You tore me up more than you know” are so authentically sad. This record pays tribute to Tyler’s grandfather, producing a wistful yet comforting feel.
“One Way” is somewhat funky. The track opens with a gritty synth and punchy drums. Led by a groovy bass guitar, the lyrics, “I wanted to fly, but they say a system's coming in,” are introduced effortlessly. As the tenth record on Breach, the song is laid-back and perplexing. “One Way” expresses a deep desire for artistic “dreams,” and criticizes the “system” for feeling disconnected from them. Reddit user @whoareyou21p summarizes: “It’s about [tøp’s] relationship with fame and creation.” Being appreciated by thousands is rewarding, yet the music industry limits freedom. For Twenty One Pilots, authenticity and passion are key, hence the line: “Can I take back who I was before?” “One Way” creatively ends with Josh’s commentary transitioning into “Days Lie Dormant.”
“Tally,” the twelfth track, is my favorite from the album. It’s exceptionally memorable for its sound and meaning. The song reminds me of tøp’s older records (a sonic mix of Vessel and Trench). Tyler’s brittle vocals in the intro are captivating and take me back to the duo’s edgy beginnings. Heavy drumming and electronic effects build the track’s intense, dynamic spirit. Its lyrics are gut-wrenching, deeply exploring the beauty and brokenness of existing. The bridge and final chorus stand out for their lines: “I let you down, I breached your trust, I let you die…/Still now (Still now), you believe in me somehow.” While this “you” may be open to interpretation, I’d like to think Tyler is speaking to both himself and the creator of his soul and mind.
Twenty One Pilots gifted listeners with Breach, a multifaceted release that brings together multiple narratives, music styles, and sentiments. Revisiting tøp through this album was incredible. My 14-year-old self would not believe that in 2025, I would be listening to a post-decade Blurryface. This experience is evocative — it’s brought back my passion for the alternative genre and has reignited my appreciation for the band.
Returning to the fandom as Tyler and Josh take on The Clancy Tour: Breach has been amusing. Listening to tracks like “RAWFEAR” and “Garbage” live — shoutout to @gia.rodriguez on Instagram for streaming — has only deepened my zeal for this album.
If you’re in the mood for an experimental and emotion-filled record, Breach won’t disappoint. Its ambiguous themes, accompanied by talented instrumentation and verses, will make you “wanna dance and style and stay a while.”
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