The title Regional at Best was born from the band's humble beginnings in Columbus, Ohio. At the time, they were primarily known only within their local scene—a status they took as a challenge. Tyler Joseph has noted that the name referenced their limited reach; at their first out-of-state show in 2011, only twelve people attended. The cover art, featuring Tyler’s younger brother Zack at a Little League game, further emphasizes themes of grassroots struggle and nostalgia. Tracklist: The DNA of Vessel

If you ever find a physical copy, don’t be the person who keeps it sealed in plastic. Crank up Kitchen Sink , scream the rap verse at the top of your lungs, and remember: In a world of streaming convenience, some magic is worth hunting for.

To sum up the enigma of : It is the sound of a genius who hadn't learned to edit himself yet. It is messy. It is auto-tuned to a fault in some parts ( Trees ), and breathtakingly raw in others ( Ruby ).

| Track | Title | Fate | Why the RAB version matters | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | 1 | Guns for Hands | Re-recorded for Vessel | The RAB version has a heavier, distorted synth drop in the chorus. | | 2 | Holding on to You | Re-recorded for Vessel | Faster tempo; raw, unhinged screaming in the bridge. | | 3 | Ode to Sleep | Re-recorded for Vessel | The transition from rap to rock is rougher, almost punk-like. | | 4 | Slowtown | | A fan-favorite about childhood vs. adulthood. Never released officially elsewhere. | | 5 | Car Radio | Re-recorded for Vessel | The RAB version has a vocoded background vocal that was removed later. | | 6 | Forest | Exclusive to RAB | A cult classic. "I don't know why I feed on emotion." | | 7 | Glowing Eyes | Exclusive to RAB | Features a synth hook that sounds like a 1980s arcade game. | | 8 | Kitchen Sink | Exclusive to RAB | Features Tyler's brother, Zack Joseph. The origin of "The Kitchen Sink" philosophy. | | 9 | Anathema | Exclusive to RAB | A haunting spoken-word piece dissolves into a screaming finale. | | 10 | Lovely | Re-recorded (Japan Bonus) | The RAB version has a pitched-up, "chipmunk" chorus. The 2013 re-recording removed this effect. | | 11 | Ruby | Exclusive to RAB | Written for a fan with Down syndrome. One of the most emotional bridges Tyler ever wrote. | | 12 | Trees | Re-recorded for Vessel | The RAB version is infamous for its auto-tuned chorus and simpler drum beat. | | 13 | Be Concerned | Exclusive to RAB | Features guest vocals from Jocef. A rare deep cut about questioning faith. | | 14 | Clear | Exclusive to RAB | The closer. Features aggressive rap verses over a metallic, industrial beat. |