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Josh Dun and Tyler Joseph of Columbus duo Twenty One Pilots.

(Fueled By Ramen)

Much like the best bands that came out of Fueled By Ramen's golden era of the mid-to-late 2000s, Twenty One Pilots offers something unique and refreshing.

Twenty One Pilots - "Blurryface"

The Columbus duo's 2013 breakthrough album, "Vessel," was every bit a star-is-born moment as Paramore's "Riot!," Gym Class Heroes' "As Cruel as School Children" or Cobra Starship's "Viva La Cobra."

But the real question is what comes next. And judging by Twenty One Pilot's disjointed new album, "Blurryface," the answer isn't easy to come by.

The highs on "Blurryface" produce wonderment. The opener "Heavydirtysoul" sounds like The Prodigy is about to rip through your speakers, as drummer Josh Dun goes absolutely ballistic.

The catchy "Tear in My Heart" has a David Bowie meets Death Cab For Cutie vibe to it, while the ending of "Lane Boy" evokes the best electropop aspects of "Vessel."

As much as any act on the Fueled By Ramen roster, Twenty One Pilots has a clear pop sensibility that drives its best tunes. Yet, even singer/rapper Tyler Joseph admits that comes with a heavy burden: "Honest, there's a few songs on this record that feel common," he raps on "Lane Boy."

Singles like "Stressed Out" and "Ride" hit a radio-friendly sweet spot (The latter's piano-driven conclusion is mesmerizing). But more often, "Blurryface" gets dragged down by generic indie-pop ("Polarize," "Message Man") and overlong emo ("The Judge," "Not Today").

The album concludes with "Goner," a depressing anthem seemingly plucked out of a pop-punk by-the-numbers rulebook.

"Blurryface" could benefit from the raw passion and unhinged nature of "Vessel's" best tracks like "Guns for Hands" or "Car Radio." As it stands, the most honest component of "Blurryface" lies in Joseph's willingness to admit things can sometimes be confounding. It shows. Grade: B