Review: Twenty One Pilots – ‘Heathens’

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80%
80
Eerie

A new ghostly sound from the duo provides a perfect soundtrack for the new Suicide Squad film, however it is marred by its repetitive nature and some poor musical decisions.

Featuring as part of the soundtrack to the new Suicide Squad movie, Twenty One Pilots’ ‘Heathens’ continues to showcase the group’s own unique style, often branded schizoid pop, and continues their tradition of exhibiting their Christian beliefs in the form of poetic verses.

The song carries a more sombre tone to some of the Ohio-based band’s recent releases, including 2015’s hit album Blurryface, with lyrics matching perfectly to DC Comics’ upcoming antihero film: “You’re lovin’ on the psychopath sitting next to you / You’re lovin’ on the murderer sitting next to you.” Breaking to Tyler Joseph repeating the chorus to a solitary piano backdrop gives chills, enhanced by the synthetic effect added to his voice. These melancholy verses occasionally cut to the sound of his iconic rapping, arguably their greatest drawing point, and a simple drumbeat that enhances the eeriness and mystery of the song.

This effect is spoiled, however, during the gaps between the chorus and verses, where a chorus of various synthetic instruments unexpectedly blast out and destroy the ghostly aura that had been constructed. The chorus too is overused, and the track overall doesn’t live up to their previous body of work, with some artistic choices spoiling what could have been one of the best records of the year.

‘Heathens’ is out now via Atlantic Records

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SUSUtv Station Manager 2016/17 and News Exec 2015/16. Gamer. Alternative Music Lover.

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