Rock and Roll – Page 2 – Music blogger

Drummer Josh Dun (left) and Singer Tyler Joseph (right) photo via http://fc06.deviantart.net

I recently just realized that not many people know about the band Twenty One Pilots, and that really ticks me off. They are so freaking talented, it’s mind boggling… Made up of singer/musician Tyler Joseph and drummer Josh Dun. These two form a brotherhood in music that is truly fantastic. Pretty much any live YouTube video will prove my point!

The band recently released their latest single “Tear In My Heart” which did just that to my heart. From their upcoming album Blurryface, hitting shelves on May 19. Dun recently told ALT 98.7 the concept behind Blurryface; “It’s a character that comes from an alternate dimension that represents insecurities that we all have…it’s a theme that runs throughout the songs on the album.” He then admitted “Tear In My Heart” is the closest they’ll ever get to a love song. “Heart”, start to finish is done in true 21P fashion. It feels like its made up of several different parts and the lyrics are cool, realistic, and addicting. Joseph’s rant- filled angst-y voice makes you want to learn every single word he preaches; “The songs on the radio are okay, but my taste in music is your face…” That’s what he does, he preaches about every feeling he has ever felt. And it’s brilliant.

Twenty One Pilots have always been on the bridge between rock and alternative to me. They have the power of a rock band, but hold the melodies and lyrical content of an alt band. Joseph manages to borderline on rap phrasing/screamo sometimes, which further fuels the powerful aura around the band. Lyrics like, “You fell asleep in my car, I drove the whole time, but that’s okay I’ll just avoid the holes so you sleep fine, I’m driving here I sit, cursing my government, for not using my taxes to fill holes with more cement,” are so unique it’s almost comedic, (it also reminds me of my Dad when my Mom falls asleep in the car on long road trips.)

“Tear In My Heart” keeps a piano medley alive, while still holding the electronic hues that plague every good 21P song. Not only is it upbeat, but its fun, energetic, and emotional, all in one song. Joseph punchily sings, “Sometimes you gotta bleed to know, that you’re alive and have a soul, but it takes someone to come around, to show you how.” So basically, find someone who will break your heart, so you can finally learn something. As much of a downer as that sounds, the song doesn’t make you feel sad, it just makes you realize that he’s right. The moments we feel most alive are when we are broken or falling apart. There is something uplifting in the realization of life and all the lessons it offers.

Check out the music video below:

-Abbey

I thought my first legitimate post should be about the band who sparked my initial interest/obsession with music: Paramore.

They have come a long way since the greasy hair, band t-shirt, and Vans wearing days. Paramore completely changed the rock genre to me. They started out as a cute young band with a front woman who changed the vision of a “girl singer”. Hayley Williams became an icon. Never have I ever seen a woman rock harder than Ms. Williams herself. She has the perfect amount of talent, poise, beauty, and bad-ass-ness!

Seeing this band perform live four times have been the highlights of my life. The energy and vibe this band gives off is nothing short of positive. Jeremy (bassist), Taylor (guitarist), and Hayley (lead vocals) all have a huge enjoyable chemistry you cannot help but strain your neck to look for. Every show was different, every set was spectacular, and Hayley’s voice remains the same; perfect. Rock music to me was never just about the voice, it was about the music as a whole. Paramore brought that sense of rock music back but with a woman who’s voice could rock a volcano to bits or sing a baby to sleep.

The growth of Paramore from their first album “All We Know Is Falling” to their latest album, the self titled “Paramore”, is immense. The content is heavily weighed on new life experiences. We also get to hear the most spectacular mixes of shredding guitars and electronic synths I have ever heard in my life. When I first found out the new album was filled with 17 songs I was in shock. I had been following Paramore through every step while they were working on their long awaited 4th album and I knew it was going to be flawless.

And it was.

If you haven’t listened to the newest Paramore album I highly suggest you do. It is a true homage to the long journey Paramore has been on as a band, as friends, and as true people.

Now that I’m done gloating about the best band in the world, I’ll leave you with some pictures I took at the most recent Paramore show I went to in Virginia when they were on the “Paratour”.