Introduction

Twenty-One Pilots’ seventh studio album, and the finale of the “Clancy” storyline, Clancy was released on May 24, 2024. It continues the storyline started on their 2015 album, Blurryface. The album was met with high praise internationally, reaching top five in multiple countries.

Frontman, Tyler Joseph, illustrates his personal struggles brilliantly through the personification from the storyline. Detailing his mental struggles through the character, Nico, he eventually gains the strength to fight back as character, Clancy. While the album is seen as a solidified conclusion to the storyline, Clancy is a much more convoluted story than shown. All in all, Tyler and drummer, Josh Dun, wonderfully created a detailed story many listeners can connect to.

Background

The band’s 2021 entry, Scaled and Icy, concluded with a prelude of what was to come in their seventh album. The roll out of the next album was elevated in 2022, when Tyler confirmed the next entry was the conclusion of their story. In 2024, the band began releasing subtle hints towards the next project.

The band updated album covers on streaming platform to insinuate something coming soon. Shortly after, listeners of the band began receiving mail including cryptic letters and phrases. To tie it all together, Twenty-One Pilots billboards began showing up in numerous countries revealing a new logo for the band.

In February of 2024, the band released a video titled, “I am Clancy,” recapping the story of the character and announcing a return to the “Trench.” The lead single, “Overcompensate,” was released a week later, following the official announcement of the album.

There were three more singles released prior to the album’s debut. These singles include: “Next Semester,” “Backslide,” and “The Craving.” On the release day, the band also released ten music videos to follow for each song. The closing track, “Paladin Strait,” had its music video released in late June.

Struggle & Lack of Control

It is important to note that I know very little of the lore of this storyline and did not watch any of the music videos. I am interpreting the album solely on the production and lyricism of each song.

Clancy is heavily based on Tyler’s personal struggles of mental health, insomnia, and life changes. Each track features one form or another of every topic, delving into depths on each. Early on in the album, Tyler introduces you to the themes of mental health deterioration and the struggle of making it to the next day. Track two, “Next Semester,” delves into the concept of “starting fresh next semester,” essentially saying tomorrow is a new day.

Track three, “Backslide,” talks about Clancy being out of control of their life. The title refers to a relapse, conversating about the depths of addiction and cutting old habits. While hiding these habits, solutions must be found to overcome these hardships. Tyler does detail his love for God throughout, but here he is wishing their connection was stronger, pleading for guidance.

Attacks & Recovery

Throughout Clancy, Tyler talks about insomnia and panic attacks. He details the symptoms of these attacks in tracks such as “Routines in the Night” and “Next Semester.” To touch back on addiction, track six, “Vignette,” talks in depth about his personal experiences. He finds himself consistently running away from “‘vignette,” or an episode. The song ends with the line: “no, no, not me, it’s for a friend, denial.” This illustrates a constant need of denial for addicts, and Clancy is familiar with the feeling.

The final topic I want to touch on is lifestyle, and this is discussed in “Lavish.” The band welcomes newer artists to a new “lavish” lifestyle. They warn of this new lifestyle and the impacts it has on newcomers. Tyler wonderfully crafted many different comparisons throughout to illustrate his dislike of this trope in media.

To conclude the album, Clancy finally feels he is at his breaking point in the song, “Snap Back.” He feels his life is continually getting worse and his relationships are severing. He provides a glimmer of hope in the track “Oldies Station.” Tyler details the need to check on family and friends struggling. Eventually, Clancy moves to the next part of his life, feeling he can move on from his anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, it appears he succumbs to it once more by the end of the concluding track, “Paladin Strait.”

Sound

Tyler worked with longtime collaborator, Paul Meany, with Josh Dun on the sticks. While the album is labeled as an alternative rock album, Clancy features a plethora of different sounds and styles. My favorite part of the album, apart from the magnificent lyricism and symbolism, is the ability to create an environment based on the instrumentation.

Certain songs, while created by the lyrics, produce and are amplified by the production behind them. Songs like “Lavish,” feature sounds that make them sound like they are meant to be portrayed. The song sounds “lavish,” which sounds like a no-brainer, but elevates the song to the next level.

“Snap Back” has a dreamier sound to it, leading to the interpretation that Tyler is in his own head during the song. “Oldies Station” features a more angelic and happier sound, reinforcing the desired purpose of the track. Twenty-One Pilots wonderfully create each sound meticulously to amplify each and every song to their desired need.

Vocal Performance

It is hard to not single out Tyler’s performance throughout the album. His range is utilized on every level, from a more hip-hop sound to angelic performances. He has a control on his voice that instantly is put to use from track one to track thirteen. Clancy jumps from topic to topic, while maintaining a seamless flow. That flow is largely in part to Tyler’s vocals front and center.

In “Snap Back,” Tyler sounds seemingly depressed and lost, which coincides with him losing the battle. “Midwest Indigo” features a battle in Clancy’s head, driven by his severe anxiety. To reinforce this constant battle, Tyler talks to himself, and yells back at himself when overthinking. This is a consistent pattern within those who overthink, and Tyler illustrates it in his own performance. These simple, yet intricate inclusions help louden the desired tone of each track.

Conclusion

Clancy is a terrific example of an artist being able to illustrate their own personal struggle through music. Being able to connect to music is exactly what it is meant to be, making this album worth the listen. Tyler and Josh work wonderfully together to create the sounds of such a meaningful project. I would highly recommend listening to the lyrics and paying attention to the small details of this album, as it amplifies the listening experience.

Rating: Highly Recommended

Final Notes

As always, take the reviews as opinion pieces. Not everyone will share the same views. These pieces are meant to bring music listeners together. Finally, go give Clancy a listen for yourself and leave your thoughts below.