18 months ago I attended 97x’s annual 1-day festival –
entitled “Next Big Thing.” The band I was most excited to see was Grouplove,
who was taking the stage around 1pm. As I arrived to the venue early, I glanced
up on stage and saw two ridiculous guys, dressed in full skeleton costumes, jumping
around and rapping. I didn't think anything of it….
Fast forward to modern day, and I've seen that amazing duo 6
times. (Show #7 will be tonight!) They go by the name – Twenty One Pilots,
and are composed of two guys named Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun.
The pair comes from Ohio, and has released three studio albums. Their most recent album, Vessel, was my pick for 2013 Album of the Year. It was released last January and features 12 excellent songs that translate even better to the live stage. I became very familiar with this album, and more importantly - the live performances, throughout all of 2013. It's clear to say these guys are one of my favorite bands now. Their
reputation for a great show took me up to Connecticut this past weekend, and I
must say, the trip was well worth it!
I wasn't sure what the crowd in Wallingford, Connecticut would bring, but I was pleasantly surprised. Although the average age of the audience has seemed to get a bit younger with the bands popularity, the crowd had high energy and was ready to go once it hit 9:20 and Twenty One Pilots took the stage.
The guys came out with three of their most aggressive songs - "Guns for Hands," "Migraine," and "Ode to Sleep." This opener was a true test if the fans close to the stage could handle the crowd. I was right in the middle of it and things were rough - just a constant mosh pit as I quickly lost the group I was with.
"Ode to Sleep" is probably my favorite tune and best displays what Twenty One Pilots are all about. As is the case with many of their songs, vocalist Tyler Joseph raps the song's verses, while the chorus is a contrasting, up-beat sing-a-long. (Plus it's performed in those same skeleton costumes to add to the effect.) It's not very often that a band can combine multiple genres into one song, but that seems to be the constant theme throughout Vessel.
After the crowd settled down a bit with "Screen," Tyler took about 20 minutes to feature some songs not off of Vessel. The highlight was "Forest," off the bands second album, Regional at Best. This is one gem that all Twenty One Pilots fans should know.
Following a Tears for Fears cover, Tyler stood on top of the crowd (yes) to perform the bands first single, "Holding on to You." This was followed up by "House of Gold," which despite having an out-of-tune ukulele, proved to be the best crowd-pleaser.
One concert highlight was during "Semi-Automatic," when drummer Josh Dun revealed a second drum set completely strapped down to a clear platform. This full set was sent into the crowd and held up by the fans as Dun provided a great drum solo. This is just one of the ways Josh remains active during the performances, despite never saying a word.
The encore started with fan favorite "Car Radio," which the band recently performed on both the MTV Movie Awards and Late Night with Seth Myers. The final song of the night was an emotional version of "Trees." (video below) Throughout all six times I've seen these guys, the closer has always been "Trees." It's proving to be an epic finale as the guys always exit the stage with their signature dual drum solo in the crowd.
After 6 performances, I am still surprised and impressed with Twenty One Pilots. They have so much energy, and combine so many different sounds. Tampa Bay Times recently published an article that said Twenty One Pilots is rap music for people that don't like rap.. I'll agree with that, but must add that they bring so much more. They display true alternative music - and I strongly recommend them to any alt-rock fan.
Twenty One Pilots will continue their US spring tour, and will make some festival stops along the way - Big Guava, Beale Street, Firefly, Forecastle and Boston Calling. Try to see them any chance you can!
I wasn't sure what the crowd in Wallingford, Connecticut would bring, but I was pleasantly surprised. Although the average age of the audience has seemed to get a bit younger with the bands popularity, the crowd had high energy and was ready to go once it hit 9:20 and Twenty One Pilots took the stage.
The guys came out with three of their most aggressive songs - "Guns for Hands," "Migraine," and "Ode to Sleep." This opener was a true test if the fans close to the stage could handle the crowd. I was right in the middle of it and things were rough - just a constant mosh pit as I quickly lost the group I was with.
"Ode to Sleep" is probably my favorite tune and best displays what Twenty One Pilots are all about. As is the case with many of their songs, vocalist Tyler Joseph raps the song's verses, while the chorus is a contrasting, up-beat sing-a-long. (Plus it's performed in those same skeleton costumes to add to the effect.) It's not very often that a band can combine multiple genres into one song, but that seems to be the constant theme throughout Vessel.
After the crowd settled down a bit with "Screen," Tyler took about 20 minutes to feature some songs not off of Vessel. The highlight was "Forest," off the bands second album, Regional at Best. This is one gem that all Twenty One Pilots fans should know.
Following a Tears for Fears cover, Tyler stood on top of the crowd (yes) to perform the bands first single, "Holding on to You." This was followed up by "House of Gold," which despite having an out-of-tune ukulele, proved to be the best crowd-pleaser.
One concert highlight was during "Semi-Automatic," when drummer Josh Dun revealed a second drum set completely strapped down to a clear platform. This full set was sent into the crowd and held up by the fans as Dun provided a great drum solo. This is just one of the ways Josh remains active during the performances, despite never saying a word.
The encore started with fan favorite "Car Radio," which the band recently performed on both the MTV Movie Awards and Late Night with Seth Myers. The final song of the night was an emotional version of "Trees." (video below) Throughout all six times I've seen these guys, the closer has always been "Trees." It's proving to be an epic finale as the guys always exit the stage with their signature dual drum solo in the crowd.
After 6 performances, I am still surprised and impressed with Twenty One Pilots. They have so much energy, and combine so many different sounds. Tampa Bay Times recently published an article that said Twenty One Pilots is rap music for people that don't like rap.. I'll agree with that, but must add that they bring so much more. They display true alternative music - and I strongly recommend them to any alt-rock fan.
Twenty One Pilots will continue their US spring tour, and will make some festival stops along the way - Big Guava, Beale Street, Firefly, Forecastle and Boston Calling. Try to see them any chance you can!
CONCERT RATING: 4 Stars
Note - Song starts at 1:25
(start listening at 0:00 for heartfelt thank you to fans)
SETLIST:
1. Guns for Hands
2. Migraine
3. Ode to Sleep
4. Screen
5. Isle of Flightless Birds
6. Anathema
7. Forest
8. Mad World (Tears for Fears Cover)
9. Holding on to You
10. House of Gold
11. Semi-Automatic
12. The Run and Go
13. Fake You Out
ENCORE:
14. Car Radio
15. Trees
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