Quirky and infectious, Scaled And Icy by powerhouse duo Twenty One Pilots is the album we all need and crave. In this climate and under the weight of the times, we need an infusion of good vibes and well-rounded hope. And with Scaled And Icy the duo has created a record of self-reflection and optimism, rallying home a clear message: wear your heart on your sleeve, and do not settle for an unhinged existence.

The duo has elevated their sound on Scaled And Icy. It is not a colossal departure from their previous records, but the instrumental balance clearly has been tweaked. Leading man Tyler Joseph sounds invigorated, throwing away those burdens that used to weigh him down, those pessimistic traits that gnawed deep. The duo has found their happy place here too, and nothing is going to deter the brightness.

And the Ohio band’s 2015 record Blurryface was a revelation. It gleamed and then hit the darkness occasionally. It had it all, happy songs and sad songs, upbeat lyricism, and sad lyrics. Joseph blended his lyrical abilities with the strong instrumentals, and Blurryface became a massive hit for the disenchanted and the people who needed to listen to a piece of art that resonated with them profoundly.

Josh Dun is a fantastic musician as well. His ability to play many instruments adds stability and quality to the line-up. Not forgetting Tyler Joseph’s immense singing voice and his adeptness with copious instruments as well, it really is a match made in heaven. And Twenty One Pilots can design what they ultimately want. Nothing is wrong when they create, as everything seems to click into place musically. Whether it be rock influences or poppy notes, it all works.

“Good Days” starts proceedings. That techno vibe and subtle drumbeat intertwine expertly. Joseph sings elegantly, and the vibe is arresting. “Choker” pulsates like a heart, and Tyler Joseph sings some of the most endearing lyrics he has ever written. It is a monumental piece of art, and that technical backbeat increases the listening experience. “The Outside” is a brooding track, and Joseph and Dun come together in unison, and those instruments are not abrasive but memorable. “Mulberry Street” shows Tyler Joseph as a catalyst for striking lyricism and the knack for a brilliant chorus. The song has that sheen and polish that does not crack or become brittle.

Twenty One Pilots do not churn these songs out. They have been meticulously designed for better days. Somberness still roams, but there is a buoyancy here that is contagious.

Head Honcho’s 2nd Opinion: This album was plainly written with accessibility and fun in mind. The depth of any “mainstream sound” and its ties to the band’s lore and DEMA propaganda, which has yet to be acknowledged directly by the band (other than Easter eggs in their content) remains to be seen. The upbeat nature of the record seems tailor-made for this moment in time. The lack of hard hitting dark tracks is noticed; many fans won’t like this. But there’s a nostalgia factor to be had here too. Fans of “Migraine,” “Ruby,” and other old-school deep cuts will find much to love about this album. Paul Meany’s production on “Saturday” and “Redecorate” is noteworthy and effective but not overpowering. Prediction: the song “Saturday” could be to Twenty One Pilots what “Good Time (featuring Carly Rae Jepsen)” was to Owl City. I’m looking forward to see how they “paint the town” during the livestream. -RG

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