"Level of Concern" for your Isolation Blues

Words by Faith Logue

Graphic by Emily Lantzy

         We all have been feeling the effects of the current world events, from missing out on shows, not going to school anymore, and being laid off work. At a time like this, music is what unites us, and Twenty One Pilots knew this is exactly what we needed right now. They unexpectedly released a new song called “Level of Concern,” and upon listening to it, I can say it definitely is one of their best songs yet.

          The song opens on a different note than any other Twenty One Pilots song, in a style sounding reminiscent to Doja Cat’s “Say So.” I can tell they are moving towards a more pop-sounding direction, but it definitely suits them. The song’s happy beats lead into Tyler Joseph’s vocals. The production is incredibly smooth, and boasts maybe the best Joseph has ever sounded on a song. There are lyrics relating to COVID-19, such as “Panic on the brain, world has gone insane,” and “Wonderin’ would you be my little quarantine?” These lyrics sum up the situation as a whole, in Twenty One Pilots’ own self-expressive way, for many of us are feeling very anxious and are having to quarantine with our families.

          As the song goes on, a hopeful message can be felt within it. The song’s lyrics suggest that the person bringing down your ‘level of concern’ could be your significant other or your family. I believe that Joseph is suggesting that we are all going to be alright, and implying that in times like this, we need to tell others how we are feeling and hope they will help to guide us. It is very interesting that this time around, the band told the fans up front that they would be releasing a song, when they usually send the fans on a treasure hunt of sorts to uncover hidden secrets of new music. I believe this is because the track seemed to come together so last-minute and so we don’t have more anxiety about new music and we can just listen and breathe.

       I recommend that everybody listens to this song. As I mentioned earlier, music is what is going to unite us at a time like this, especially songs that are happy, upbeat, and relevant to our modern world. “Level of Concern” is that song that will guide us through these difficult times and one that I feel will be their most popular song yet. The track is available on any streaming platform, with the official music video now live on YouTube.