"Pompeii" by Bastille was released in 2013 as part of their debut album Bad Blood, becoming one of the most recognizable alt-rock anthems of the decade and reaching the top five in the UK charts. Its anthemic sound and striking use of choral vocals helped catapult Bastille to international fame and cemented the track as a staple of 2010s alternative radio.
The drum performance in "Pompeii" is driven by a steady, mid-tempo groove at 127 BPM that prioritizes consistency and momentum over complexity, making it both accessible and highly effective in supporting the song's expansive dynamic arc. The drumming relies on a clean, punchy backbeat with well-placed fills that serve the song's anthemic build without overpowering the mix.
Unique Drumming Characteristics
- Consistent 4/4 straight-eighth-note hi-hat pattern driving the verse groove
- Solid snare backbeat on beats 2 and 4 with a crisp, dry tone
- Controlled use of crash cymbals to accent chorus entries and dynamic shifts
- Simple, supportive kick drum pattern anchoring the mid-tempo pulse
- Minimal but purposeful fill placement at key song transitions
Skills You'll Develop
- Maintaining a steady, reliable groove at a moderate 127 BPM tempo
- Developing consistent hi-hat control with even eighth-note subdivisions
- Learning to use crash accents musically to reinforce song structure
- Practicing dynamic awareness between verse and chorus sections
- Building confidence with straightforward 4/4 rock drumming fundamentals
Drumscore
Drum Sheet Music, Playing Guides, Lessons and Transcription Services