On January 7, 2021, Twenty One Pilots changed the headers of every one of their social media accounts to a red-tinted photo of the members, Tyler Joseph and Joshua Dun, with the bright yellow logo from their previous album in the center. From an outsider’s perspective, this may seem unimportant, but their fanbase, the Clique, immediately took note of this change and began theorizing the details of the band’s new ‘era.’

Though the behavior of the band’s Clique may seem ‘crazy’ to some, it’s not unwarranted. Since the release of their 2015 album Blurryface, Twenty One Pilots has put intricate details, in-depth planning, and hidden messages into their songs to create their own world. From the manifestation of Joseph’s insecurities and depression into a character named Blurryface to the creation of an entire fictional city named Dema, there is never a detail left unplanned.

When the band’s new social media header began to desaturate in February, it was another exciting mystery to solve. As more and more ideas and theories revolved around the fanbase, the image continued to desaturate until April 6, when the logo in the image completely disappeared. The Clique waited with bated breath, hoping their theories of new music were true, and they didn’t have to wait long. Within 24 hours, the band’s new song, “Shy Away,” was released along with a music video and the announcement of their upcoming album Scaled and Icy releasing on May 21.

Though the cryptic behavior and intricate planning of the band isn’t new, the sound and aesthetic of their new era definitely is. While their past music has remained fairly similar, but elusive as far as genre is concerned, the band’s new song definitely surpasses the boundaries of their former compositions. Nearly every song they’ve released has featured lyrics about mental illness and often a darker, more somber sound, but “Shy Away” is almost the complete opposite.

While the lyrics still depict a theme of insecurity, they feel more confident and encouraging rather than pessimistic and dark. Not only are the lyrics more upbeat, but the sound is as well. The song leans heavily towards an electronic, up-beat melody unlike their past work, and begins with a strong synth beat.

Some fans have criticized this bold departure from their other music, but change isn’t always to be feared. Most musicians change up their music a bit at some point, right?

Though the shift in sound seems fairly big, the aesthetic of the band’s upcoming album, Scaled and Icy, is an even bigger transition. Their past albums Blurryface and Trench have had color schemes of black with red or yellow, while Scaled and Icy has a pastel blue and pink cover and the promotion pictures give off a 70s vibe, which seems to fit well with the new sound.

The “Shy Away” music video fits the new theme as well, featuring bright colors and animations to create a fairy-tale ambiance. Although it’s visually appealing and interesting, it doesn’t hint much at a story to be told or seem to have connections to the previous story told through their last album Trench and its music videos.

As if a new song, music video, and album announcement weren’t enough for the Clique, Twenty One Pilots also announced a livestream experience to celebrate the album’s release on May 21. With $20 per ticket, buyers receive access to the upcoming livestream, exclusive merchandise, and never-before-seen videos. Clearly, Dun and Joseph have been hard at work over quarantine.

Despite this new era being quite different from their past work, both visually and audibly, there’s still more to come that may cause critics to change their tune. Twenty One Pilots has gained a large and loyal fan base in the 12 years since Joseph formed the group, and they’re unlikely to lose them anytime soon.

By Caitlynn Gehl

April 30, 2021

Oshkosh West Index Volume 117 Issue 7

Pilots doesn’t “Shy Away” from new sound