Soundgarden’s Matt Cameron is the latest drummer to take part in Drumeo’s “First Time” series, playing Bad Omens’ “Just Pretend.”
The “First Time” series has drummers listening to songs they’ve never heard before sans drum tracks, and creating their own drum arrangements before hearing the full original track.
Before host Brandon Toews plays the song for Cameron, the Soundgarden and longtime Pearl Jam drummer jokes, “Just don’t Sleep Token me,” heaping praise on the masked band and their drummer II.
Funny enough, he got a song that’s somewhat in the vein of Sleep Token, with Bad Omens’ “Just Pretend.” Not knowing the tune, Cameron takes to the song immediately, offering a restrained arrangement with plenty of color leaving lots of room for the arena-sized chorus and enormous guitars. He locks in to the energy of the song almost immediately, leaning into the alternative rock backbone of the current radio hitmakers. His playing highlights the elements of Bad Omens that can be traced directly to bands like Deftones and Soundgarden.
The video ends with a surprise, as Bad Omens drummer Nick Folio reacts to the grunge legend’s drumming performance, saying, “That was awesome! Bravo, brother!”
Cameron previously appeared on Drumeo in January to breakdown his performance of Soundgarden’s “Spoonman.” Meanwhile, following a run of UK/European festival dates, Bad Omens are set to perform at Inkcarceration festival in July at the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio. Tickets are available here.
Drumeo offers a 30-day free trial for those inspired to learn drums or deepen their knowledge, featuring plenty of lessons and tutorials from well-known drummers. Watch the “First Time” episode featuring Matt Cameron below.
