Recorded live in Los Angeles in July 2022,
Twenty One Pilots'
MTV Unplugged session features refreshing, reimagined renditions of nine singles from across the duo's four
Fueled by Ramen albums (and one soundtrack). Performed without pre-recorded backing tracks, the pair "built out" each song in this live setting, using hands-free looping and samples recorded on the spot to deliver fresh takes on catalog classics. Presented as mash-ups in a trio of instances,
Tyler Joseph and
Josh Dun reached back to 2013's
Vessel, seamlessly blending "House of Gold" with
Blurryface's "Lane Boy," later joining a pulse-pounding "Car Radio" with
Suicide Squad's haunted "Heathens." A verse from "Nico and the Niners" (the lone inclusion from
Trench) slides into "Ride" on one of the more revelatory moments here, where the audience provides vocals for
Dun to manipulate on a drum pad. The band's mainstream breakthrough
Blurryface has the largest presence by far, with "Tear in My Heart" and the diamond-certified "Stressed Out" joining the aforementioned "Lane Boy" and "Ride." Lastly, 2021's
Scaled and Icy gets a single shout-out with "Shy Away," which is completely transformed with an atmospheric, slowed-down intro that bursts into a peppy, electro-pop highlight. Aside from the charming, down-to-earth stage banter and endearing ad-libbing, this recording is an intriguing peek into the duo's creative wizardry. It also shines a spotlight on drummer
Dun's many talents, which include harmonic singing on "Stressed Out." Given the unique experience and organic, real-time nature of this performance,
Twenty One Pilots Unplugged is a vital deep-cut release that breathes new life into these multi-platinum smash hits and showcases
Joseph and
Dun's undeniable chemistry and musicianship. ~ Neil Z. Yeung
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