The famous music duo, Twenty One Pilots, have just released their newest song, "Level of Concern" during the midst of quarantine and a pandemic -- just when we needed it the most.
Lead singer Tyler Joseph hinted the release to fans on Sunday, tweeting "Always writing, but this one feels like it should just come out now," later adding, "I think it's simple but hopeful."
first song i ever wrote on electric guitar. i think it’s simple but hopeful.— tyler jøseph (@tyler jøseph) 1586128289.0
The song was released Thursday morning, along with a music video directed by Reel Bear Media, which shows Tyler Joseph and music partner Joshua Dun completing the song through a USB drive in their respective homes, in accordance with social distancing.
The song is one of honesty but one of hope. In their familiar alternative pop sound, it details the mindset of Joseph in the COVID-19 crisis, with lyrics such as, "Panic on the brain, world has gone insane / Things are starting to get heavy." It then transitions into Joseph asking someone (presumably his wife) to bring down his 'level of concern,' singing, "Just need you to tell me we're alright / Tell me we're okay." Later in the song, the background vocals say, over the beat, "We're gonna be okay. We'll be okay." It is one of reassurance, rooted in a very human hope for better days.
"Level of Concern" was also written to help the charity Crew Nation, which helps those in the live performance industry who lost their jobs because of the coronavirus pandemic. According to Tyler Joseph via social media, a portion of the single's proceeds will be donated to the organization.
"No one knows when live music will get back on its feet," Joseph wrote. "I've met so many amazing people working venues and touring with bands. Hopefully we can do something to help some through this song."
twenty one pilots - Level of Concern (Official Video)youtu.be
The song artwork is also a nod to the past era of their successful album, Trench, in which the color yellow was relevant. The USB drive is seen with yellow tape wrapped around the top.