The internet has been in a frenzy for the past week for a number of reasons. Serving as a distraction from current events, Twenty One Pilots latest album Breach has served in some ways a reprieve from current events for Yours Truly, and in other ways the heavy topic matter, as well as the ways it tied up the Dema lore has matched the heavy feeling I’ve been carrying as of late.

“City Walls” is yet another song proving that Twenty One Pilots are masters of the album opener. Although it doesn’t match the raw thrill that “Overcompensate” provides on Clancy or “Jumpsuit” on Trench, its an effective concoction of equal parts adrenaline and raw emotion. Especially if you’ve seen the music video, Tyler’s callback to “Holding On to You” as he desperately is definitely a tearjerker.

“Drum Show,” the second single released from the album, is possibly one of the band’s strong tracks… well, ever. Who knew there was such an emotional weight to being a drummer?! This is a realization that for me seems all too obvious in hindsight. Josh Dun’s role as the Torchbearer is oft painted as that guy who’s constantly pulling him out of the clutches of his insecurities. “Drum Show” shows that the narrative the duo is telling isn’t as one-sided as you think it is. And it does so with a really, really fun hook. And of course, the “Jocals.”

The middle portion of the record tends toward the mellow and contemplative (although let’s be honest; all Twenty One Pilots songs are contemplative). The clear standout is “Downstairs,” which functions as a bit of an emotional sibling to “Routines in the Night” on Clancy. Assertive yet neither overly happy nor sad. “Robot Voices,” an interpolation on a song by indie outfit Blanket (who were relatively unknown… well, until now) has a distinct Death Cab For Cutie feel veering toward Postal Service vibes at times. “Cottonwood” is a contemplative track that many seem to pass over but is a grower in my opinion.

One of the strongest moments on the record comes toward the end with “Tally,” which has the feeling of an album closer in and of itself. The penultimate track has a sense of grandeur and wistfulness woven throughout. I wouldn’t be surprised if this song makes an appearance in festival appearances in 2026.

“Intentions” serves as both the album closer and the outro to the “City Walls” music video. Like its alter-ego “Truce,” its a tear-jerker of a track that left me feeling like I needed to just sit in silence for awhile. I have a tendency to want to apply spiritual overtones to this track. Intentions will set us free… even though we fail most of the time. How does that work exactly? Could this be referring to the Holy Spirit keeping someone on the straight and narrow in spite of their own shortcomings?

All in all, Breach is certainly its own distinct body of work as well as a companion album to Clancy. At first listen, about half of the tracks were underwhelming, but a return made everything make sense to me. Looks like yet again, this dynamic duo is set to land high up in my top records of the year!