album: Scaled And Icy
artist: twenty one pilots
genre: pop rock
release date: May 21, 2021
star rating: four out of five

review by Ben Block

Scaled And Icy, the sixth album from twenty one pilots, sees the duo continuing to evolve as a band while still staying true to who they are. I don’t usually review music, but I’m a huge fan and was excited to hear new music from my favorite band. I’ve heard a lot of people say that this is a lighter side of the boys, but I disagree. Although the album has a more upbeat tempo, it is also good ole emo alt. pop, lyrically.

It opens with “Good Day,” a song about what it would look like if frontman Tyler Joseph woke up one day to find his wife and daughter had died, but he still had to live as though nothing was wrong. “Choker” then follows this up with a driving drum loop while Tyler sings depressing lyrics of inner turmoil. “Shy Away” has a synth/drum combo that pushes the upbeat tempo, and Tyler sings about being willing to step outside of your comfort zone and expand your personal boundaries. My personal favorite track, “Never Take It,” sees Tyler getting political, with lines like, “Why cure disease of confusion when you’re the treatment facility?” He discusses misinformation during the past year and also showcases his new ability to play guitar (which is used throughout the album).

The entire album was written in quarantine. Tyler would send the tracks to drummer Josh Dun in Los Angeles, who said he liked the freedom to really explore the drums while recording separately. On the whole, though a product of the 2020 pandemic, Scaled And Icy has a sort of hopeful feel to it, and it’s the beginning of my summer playlist.