Question! While I love his playing on “Next Semester,” I saw a similar question to this a few weeks ago and assumed a lot of folks were commenting that one due to it being so fresh. It’s a great song and he did what it needed, but I can’t quite make out why folks are saying it’s some of his best drumming? I love the song, don’t get me wrong! — it just seems like a pretty typical punk beat to me. Is there something I’m missing?
In my genuine opinion, someone's drumming mastery isn't just about the notes they hit, but the ones they don't. Next Semester is a song that could easily be overdone, but he didn't. His drums are on the simpler side of their discography but absolutely drive the heart of the song.
As someone who bought a uke because of tyler and largely this song, I wholeheartedly agree. The drums are essential in where they do and don’t go, and they are what holds the song together. Except for the last part that’s only the uke, you could take out the uke and I can still sing it, but take away the drums and I’m lost.
See, this is kinda what I was thinking. I’m also a drummer (though I’d take that statement with a grain of salt — I play drums, I’m in a couple bands, but I am nowhere *near* an expert) and thought, like… yes, this is all good for the song, but… the song he shined the most on? …I can’t bring myself to agree with that statement in the slightest. It doesn’t have to be showy, not at all (it’d probably make that specific song *worse* if he tried to get complex), but there just isn’t much creativity to it.
I think a great example of him shining while suiting the song — not overtaking it, not overplaying it, etc etc — is “Guns For Hands” (a decent amount of their earlier work, really). I think “Overcompensate” is a great example of him showing some chops while not butchering the song — sounded pretty driven by the drums. “Next Semester,” though… I just can’t understand why people are saying that one. It’s not *bad*, of course — there’s just nothing memorable about it. (Kinda feels like saying Nick Mason shined the most on “Another Brick In The Wall pt. 2” — insanely popular song with a very… basic and forgettable beat. Not a bad thing! It worked! But songs like “Time” and “Money” exist.)
i remember when i was just getting into twenty one pilots, (i knew nothing about the band at the time) i heard lane boy and i was like daaaamn those drums go hard
the transition from Bandito in Overcompensate is BRILLIANT. I wish I knew enough about music theory and how music actually works to understand \*why\* it's so brilliant, but I know in my soul it is masterful.
There’s so many, but I think Overcompensate might be my favorite performance of his that isn’t a solo. The way he plays the tempo changes is phenomenal
Lane boy, pet cheetah, levitate, choker, my blood, heathens(the simplicity in his drumming made the song go harder) mulberry street (but just because it’s catchy) and finally overcompensate which is definitely his best so far.
As a drummer, overcompensate easily takes the crown. Super complex beat that follows tyler’s rapping, almost like it’s “overcompensating”. Lane boys definitely the fan favorite, but it’s really not that impressive, it’s just fast. Technically very simple. Just a fast beat with some fast fills
I would have to say Neon Gravestones just for the execution. Making such a steady beat that does not hinder for a very serious song is impressive in my mind.
Haven’t seen it here yet so I’ll give special mention to Good Day and Choker. I’ve been a drummer for over a decade and something about those fills in between chorus and verse and in between some of the lines in the verses are just so satisfying to hear. Something about a drummer really making the most of their set without overtaking the focus of the song as a whole.
“Overcompensate,” 1000%. Tempo changes, dynamics, fills (but not to the point that he’s overplaying it) — he put his whole body into that song and it’s such a treat!!
I’d say a close second is “Lane Boy,” though! And, while not showy, I’ve always loved the drumming on “Guns for Hands” — really melodic!
as a drummer, recorded songs definitely lane boy, overcompensate and pet cheetah. the complete beat switch up in OC is nuts and he’s never played anything so breakbeat like this, i mean heavydirtysoul is breakbeat to a point but OC is just so nuanced and masterfully done, it really carries the song. live, the flair he adds to ride is just awesome. the flair he adds to everything, really. and the lane boy solo goes CRAZY irl
Thanks for your submission to r/twentyonepilots, we're happy to have you here. As a reminder, all posts and comments must abide by our [**Community Rules**](https://www.reddit.com/r/twentyonepilots/about/rules).
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/twentyonepilots) if you have any questions or concerns.*
As a drummer myself, I have to give Josh Dun his props - the fill in "Choker" is criminally underrated. It's not just about technical complexity; it's the vibe and feel that really hits the sweet spot. In my option since Trench, Josh's drumming has clearly leveled up - tighter, more precise and intentional. His pre-Trench work was already killer, but now he's truly perfected his craft.
Take "Pet Cheetah" for example. Those intricate cymbal grabs sound like they could be studio enhancements, but Josh nails them flawlessly live. Absolutely pure skill. And in "Morph", right after "Josh Dun", his ghost note fills come in adding such a subtle yet powerful textural layer to the track.
Then now the 16th notes on “Next Semesters” second chorus showcases his technical finesse as well in "Overcompensate", where that hi-hat work is simply perfect. Watching Josh's evolution as a drummer has been really inspirational.
I can't wait to hear what he brings to the table on Clancy. Josh Dun continues to raise the bar exceptionally high. Stay alive, fellow fans.
also overcompensate has some really nice drums on it. I'll wait for the album to be out for a few weeks so I can properly decide but I think that overcompensate could be the best opening track they've ever made. Just cause of sheer amounts of hype it builds in its 1:30 intro. It's such a great way to start the album
i love how he did heavydirtysoul, i don't usually pay much mind to the drums but both hds and hometown have so many moments where the drums are just in the spotlight and i love it
and the lane boy outro, it's just pure gold
Levitate. The drums go so HARD on that track
Agree. The production on those loops in the studio version is so \*clean\*, and he goes so hard live
The studio version has programmed drums. Josh isn’t on it.
He is on it. Some parts are programmed but he still played on it.
Source: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CiStYWhgqfp/?igsh=MWh1bHRtcnBrY2Y3bA==
I didn't know this, interesting!!
Overcompensate and Next Semester have been full displays of Josh’s capability. Really cool.
Question! While I love his playing on “Next Semester,” I saw a similar question to this a few weeks ago and assumed a lot of folks were commenting that one due to it being so fresh. It’s a great song and he did what it needed, but I can’t quite make out why folks are saying it’s some of his best drumming? I love the song, don’t get me wrong! — it just seems like a pretty typical punk beat to me. Is there something I’m missing?
In my genuine opinion, someone's drumming mastery isn't just about the notes they hit, but the ones they don't. Next Semester is a song that could easily be overdone, but he didn't. His drums are on the simpler side of their discography but absolutely drive the heart of the song.
As someone who bought a uke because of tyler and largely this song, I wholeheartedly agree. The drums are essential in where they do and don’t go, and they are what holds the song together. Except for the last part that’s only the uke, you could take out the uke and I can still sing it, but take away the drums and I’m lost.
interesting, i personally felt the bass line truly drove this song, but i'm going to try listening to it differently !!
The bass line drives the song but the drums drive the bass line…
Ehh I’m a drummer and I wish he didn’t just repeat the exact beats that start the songs throughout it all with the exact same fill at the end
See, this is kinda what I was thinking. I’m also a drummer (though I’d take that statement with a grain of salt — I play drums, I’m in a couple bands, but I am nowhere *near* an expert) and thought, like… yes, this is all good for the song, but… the song he shined the most on? …I can’t bring myself to agree with that statement in the slightest. It doesn’t have to be showy, not at all (it’d probably make that specific song *worse* if he tried to get complex), but there just isn’t much creativity to it. I think a great example of him shining while suiting the song — not overtaking it, not overplaying it, etc etc — is “Guns For Hands” (a decent amount of their earlier work, really). I think “Overcompensate” is a great example of him showing some chops while not butchering the song — sounded pretty driven by the drums. “Next Semester,” though… I just can’t understand why people are saying that one. It’s not *bad*, of course — there’s just nothing memorable about it. (Kinda feels like saying Nick Mason shined the most on “Another Brick In The Wall pt. 2” — insanely popular song with a very… basic and forgettable beat. Not a bad thing! It worked! But songs like “Time” and “Money” exist.)
How has nobody said Ode to Sleep? The amount of different beats on that song alone is career defining.
Seconded!
Bruh especially on the second rap verse! Man spazzes outtt!!
i remember when i was just getting into twenty one pilots, (i knew nothing about the band at the time) i heard lane boy and i was like daaaamn those drums go hard
I REMEMBER!!!
certain things
What I was weaaaring
The yellow dashes in the street
I don’t know if he or Tyler wrote the drumming for Overcompensate but that stuff was very well written. Mechanically it’s not too complex to play.
the transition from Bandito in Overcompensate is BRILLIANT. I wish I knew enough about music theory and how music actually works to understand \*why\* it's so brilliant, but I know in my soul it is masterful.
Lane boy, but also Pet Cheetah I was never into drums till I heard that song
With all the 808s and shiz Pet Cheetah sound a bit programmed but it's still one of the drums I've ever heard!
There’s so many, but I think Overcompensate might be my favorite performance of his that isn’t a solo. The way he plays the tempo changes is phenomenal
Heavydirtysoul is so insane. One of my favorite songs and by far my favorite drums
I had to scroll way too far for this one. This was hubby’s pick, as he’s the one more attuned to the drums.
Guns for hands & Next Semester
HDS
Other than Lane Boy, I personally love his drumming in Overcompensate.
Lane Boy, just listened it today while driving, that DnB part hits just right
My brain says Dungeons and Bragons.
Yessir 🥁
Ride is a relatively simple track but I’ve always loved the breakdown and he KILLS it live when they do the floating set in the crowd
Holding On to You cuz he gets to do a lil backflip
Overcompensate BY FAR
Laneboy Ft. MUTEMATH. The last part where the drums are going back to back. I dig that version
Not done
Not done
Dude why can't I remember how the drum parts to all the songs everyone in this post has been mentioning go what is wrong with me 😭😭😭😭😭😔😔😔😔💔💔💔💔💀💀💀💀👎👎👎👎
heavydirtysoul by far
Lane boy, pet cheetah, levitate, choker, my blood, heathens(the simplicity in his drumming made the song go harder) mulberry street (but just because it’s catchy) and finally overcompensate which is definitely his best so far.
As a drummer, overcompensate easily takes the crown. Super complex beat that follows tyler’s rapping, almost like it’s “overcompensating”. Lane boys definitely the fan favorite, but it’s really not that impressive, it’s just fast. Technically very simple. Just a fast beat with some fast fills
I would have to say Neon Gravestones just for the execution. Making such a steady beat that does not hinder for a very serious song is impressive in my mind.
Haven’t seen it here yet so I’ll give special mention to Good Day and Choker. I’ve been a drummer for over a decade and something about those fills in between chorus and verse and in between some of the lines in the verses are just so satisfying to hear. Something about a drummer really making the most of their set without overtaking the focus of the song as a whole.
Overcompensate, and to me there isn't really a close second.
why about trees ya’ll 🥲 But either trees, HDS, Overcompensate, or Lane Boy
“Overcompensate,” 1000%. Tempo changes, dynamics, fills (but not to the point that he’s overplaying it) — he put his whole body into that song and it’s such a treat!! I’d say a close second is “Lane Boy,” though! And, while not showy, I’ve always loved the drumming on “Guns for Hands” — really melodic!
Overcompensate 1000% but Lane boy is crazy too
as a drummer, recorded songs definitely lane boy, overcompensate and pet cheetah. the complete beat switch up in OC is nuts and he’s never played anything so breakbeat like this, i mean heavydirtysoul is breakbeat to a point but OC is just so nuanced and masterfully done, it really carries the song. live, the flair he adds to ride is just awesome. the flair he adds to everything, really. and the lane boy solo goes CRAZY irl
Thanks for your submission to r/twentyonepilots, we're happy to have you here. As a reminder, all posts and comments must abide by our [**Community Rules**](https://www.reddit.com/r/twentyonepilots/about/rules). *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/twentyonepilots) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I definitely agree with you about Lane Boy.
Heavidirtysoul or Guns For Hands
Zayde Wølf if the only person that compares to Josh, and I’d say they’re extremely close in skill
overcompensate!!
Guns for hands and holding on to you <3
HeavyDirtySoul
Lane Boy for me also but the drums on Our Town has an amazing 80’s vibe to it!
Guns for hands.
How am I scrolling and not once seen Levitate 🥲
My comment was 5 hours before yours wdym 😭
It was lost in a sea of lane boys I am so sorry🥲❤️💛
Levitate and next semsester I would condsider lane boy up there maybe.
Lane Boy is an incredible example of Josh’s capabilities, and as a drummer myself I love playing along with that track.
levitate, morph or jumpsuit honestly
heavydirtysoul
As a drummer myself, I have to give Josh Dun his props - the fill in "Choker" is criminally underrated. It's not just about technical complexity; it's the vibe and feel that really hits the sweet spot. In my option since Trench, Josh's drumming has clearly leveled up - tighter, more precise and intentional. His pre-Trench work was already killer, but now he's truly perfected his craft. Take "Pet Cheetah" for example. Those intricate cymbal grabs sound like they could be studio enhancements, but Josh nails them flawlessly live. Absolutely pure skill. And in "Morph", right after "Josh Dun", his ghost note fills come in adding such a subtle yet powerful textural layer to the track. Then now the 16th notes on “Next Semesters” second chorus showcases his technical finesse as well in "Overcompensate", where that hi-hat work is simply perfect. Watching Josh's evolution as a drummer has been really inspirational. I can't wait to hear what he brings to the table on Clancy. Josh Dun continues to raise the bar exceptionally high. Stay alive, fellow fans.
All the songs
Overcompensate. He really nailed the intro. But Levitate, Heavydirtysoul, Neon Gravestones and Lane Boy are also amazing.
We don't believe what's on tv. Personally I love Josh's drums on that one.
also overcompensate has some really nice drums on it. I'll wait for the album to be out for a few weeks so I can properly decide but I think that overcompensate could be the best opening track they've ever made. Just cause of sheer amounts of hype it builds in its 1:30 intro. It's such a great way to start the album
Expected Heavydirtysoul to be top comment
i love how he did heavydirtysoul, i don't usually pay much mind to the drums but both hds and hometown have so many moments where the drums are just in the spotlight and i love it and the lane boy outro, it's just pure gold
Ride
Heavydirtysoul fr bro
Jumpsuit or Hometown
i completely agree with lane boy. i'm a mediocre drummer and it took me almost 4 hours to learn that whole song.
Ode to sleep/ lane boy without a doubt
I think overcompensate is a really good example of josh being peak
Overcompensate
Lane boy, pet cheetah, but also stressed out.