I listened to Twenty One Pilots for the first time when I was eight. My brother had played it for me on his new iPhone 6. I hadn’t known who they were, but I remember how their mix of great vocals and use of instruments made me feel energetic. Their new album, “Breach,”  released Sept. 12, showing they still live up to the reputation they created for themselves in their “Blurryface” era. 

The opening track, “City Walls,” immediately sets the tone of the album. It’s a bold opener that sets high expectations. The drums build up tension early on, preparing me for the masterpiece of an album I was about to experience.

I appreciated how many tracks on the album shift pace, going from a faster pace to a slower, calmer tune in the middle, creating moments to breathe, bursts of energy and then quiet reflection. That variety kept the listening experience engaging.

My favorite song on “Breach” is “RAWFEAR.” It’s catchy, nicely paced and doesn’t lose its groove even when the song slows down. The way the song speeds up, then returns to its original tempo adds emotional weight — like it’s trying to escape the emotions that are “nipping heels, never slowing down.” It’s an awesome mix of anxiety and grooviness that gets stuck in your head.

Other highlights of the album include “Center Mass,” which has an unexpected, yet beautiful change of pace. It had me bumping my head, and maintained deep emotional meaning. The album then shifts to “Cottonwood,” which had a completely different vibe. Placed directly after a faster song like “Center Mass,” its slower pace gave me a moment to pause and reflect, emphasizing the album’s range of dynamics.

Overall, “Breach” is one of my favorite Twenty One Pilots releases. It balances high-energy songs with quieter, more reflective moments, creating a listening experience that I genuinely enjoyed. The album proves that Twenty One Pilots can still deliver.