Chris Allison - Plini - The Glass Bead Game

Performance of 'The Glass Bead Game' from Plini's new album 'Impulse Voices'.
Check out 'Impulse Voices': www.plini.co/impulse-voices​
Buy the official 'Impulse Voices' drum transcription: www.sheethappenspublishing.co...
Drums performed by Chris Allison
Music by Plini
Shot at One Flight Up Studios, Sydney (www.oneflightup.com.au)
Engineered & Mixed by Simon Grove (simongrove.com)
Shot & Edited by Josh Newman (www.vinewood.com.au)
Gear used:
- Sonor drums & hardware: SQ1 22"x17.5" kick, 10"x7" tom, 12"X8" tom, 14"x13" floor, 16"x15" floor & 14"x5.75" Ferromanganese snare
- Zildjian cymbals (L-R): 15" K Custom Special Dry Hats, 19" K Dark Thin Crash, 9" FX Trash Splash, 22" K Light Ride, 10" FX Stacks, 18" K EFX crash over a 20" Oriental Crash of Doom, 20" K Cluster Crash
- Vic Firth: 5A sticks, T1 mallets & Vic Kick felt beaters
- Remo: coated Emperors on snare & toms, coated Powerstroke 3 on kick and Quick Lock hi-hat clutch
Big Fat Snare Drum: Steve's Donut
I am proud to be an artist with: Sonor Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks, Remo Drumheads, 64 Audio & Big Fat Snare Drum.
Follow me:
Website: www.chrisallisondrums.com​
Instagram: / chrisallisondrums
Facebook: / chrisallisondrums

[@Guitarsloth]

You probably won’t have time to read this Chris, but your drumming truly made the entire album for me. I truly couldn’t get enough of many of those grooves you put in there especially on “Perfume” and “I’ll tell you someday”. Amazing drummer bro, never stop making music man

[@ChrisAllisonDrums]

I greatly appreciate the kind words pal; but most importantly, thanks for digging the music & my small contributions to it!

[@jameswilkes451]

@@ChrisAllisonDrums SMALL contribution? Man you were as vital a piece to the finished product as Plini, just as were the other members of the band. Absolutely amazing musicians coming together. Still it's always nice to see humility alongside such dedication!

[@jerrymasters2691]

@@jameswilkes451 I agree 1,000% !! I'm convinced... the way he occupies several time signatures simultaneously makes it sound so right! The level of creativity it takes combined with confidence to pull it off is so cool to see! He is one of a few people on the planet right now that are at this level of masterery. Just flat out amazing! I listened to this song today at work about 15 times. It doesn't get old,y brain gets tickled every time it's so cool! The guitar parts are non-typical and perfect! The melody structure is...it makes me think what another planet of ascended beings would be rocking out to or something!! Haha it's so hard to describe how cool it is, such amazing work guys! Congratulations!

[@Chris_Stanley007]

@@ChrisAllisonDrums You bring more to the table than you think, but then again humbleness is next to godliness IMHO.

[@andyham6094]

Totally agree. His drumming separated this album from all the others and that’s saying a lot since plini has always had awesome drum parts on all his albums played by amazing drummers but this one takes the cake for me. Not just Chris’ playing but also the drum tones. They are so warm round yet beefy and punchy.

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

Beautiful playing Chris

[@ChrisAllisonDrums]

Appreciate that, Andrew!

[@AndrewRooneyDrums]

@@ChrisAllisonDrums I plan to feature you on my channel. I hope that's okay brother :)

[@ChrisAllisonDrums]

100% fine by me pal!

[@nicholascrockettfilms]

Other drummers: "I bought these specially designed shoes to maintain precision and speed with my double bass drumming." Chris Allison: "Hold my chainsaw."

[@Tekkerue]

Haha! Seriously, freaking BOOTS? That's insane. I can only imagine how fast he is barefoot. Jojo Mayer mentioned using non-friction shoe soles (I believe they were from dance shoes) in is foot technique DVD. But to be fair, he does double bass drumming with one foot. 😂

[@TheBroskis52]

Please please please do a play through of “I’ll Tell You Someday”!! I’d love to see it. You’re killer dude 🤘🏻

[@samcooke343]

A playthrough of 'Impulse Voices' would be amazing as well; the drums on the last section in that track are unbelievable.

[@andynathan1969]

I second this

[@stairs05]

Hell Yes !!! I would lovz that too !

[@memeperor_]

ur fucking pfp bro omg brings me back to vine days

[@nghiat.nguyen8530]

Please do "Pan"!!!

[@dancawar1765]

Unbelievable. It’s a crime we don’t hear about Chris more.

[@_hexes_]

Idk how else to say it but those are the most “jazz” double pedals I’ve ever seen lmao

[@ryanwandling4230]

After years of Animals as Leaders, I assumed not one band could top them as my favorite instrumental band. But let me tell you something. Discovering Plini within the last 6 months has made me strongly reconsider. These guys are absolutely insane! Plini’s sound on the guitar is unmatched, this mans drumming is absolutely incredible, the song construction, everything . I just can’t stop listening!!!!

[@timothymills1351]

I agree.. I still feel Matt Gartska has alot of influence in Chris's playing because of how Matt meshes so mant different genres in to the style Animals as Leaders play. Animals as Leaders definitely set the standard but Plini's sound and newer approach is mind-blowing.

[@TheBadThad]

You've missed years of Plini material, welcome to the fan club! Chris is pretty new to the band and most certainly my favorite drummer with Plini!

[@memeperor_]

@@TheBadThad i LOVE troy wright, but this drummer fits so beautifully and troy wright has enough on his hands teaching dozens of people the ways :)

[@macaron3141592653]

lmao plini smoked all of his competition with his latest record, it was so good.

[@memeperor_]

@@macaron3141592653 i still like handmade cities better, no part of the new album gave me goosebumps :( ..anyways in my opinion The Joy of Motion by AAL is better than both those plini albums. at least in the amount of goosebumps they give me

[@kieranrafferty94]

A big "F YEAH" exploded out of my mouth when I saw this in my recommended

Amazeballz! It's so refreshing to hear a drum playthrough that's not sample replaced or edited to death

[@Chris_Stanley007]

That is a truly beautiful thing.

[@RonnyNause]

2 years later and this is still making my jaw hit the floor.

[@OGRmack]

Okay, so 2:47 - 3:34 is godlike. I've watched about 10 times now and there's just no describing how good this section is. Also the buildup into that huge drop from 5:22 - 6:10 is so incredibly well done. I can't believe how many different sections of this song floor me. We're really lucky to get a song like this during such a tough year!

[@iAutodidact]

The syncopation hurts my head as a viewer and listener. Idk how he plays it. Dude is strictly on whatever level is beyond us mortals.

[@eatingtrees9077]

I've been creating custom drum charts in Moonscraper as a way to decipher and learn songs and I only recently just figured out what is happening rhythmically there, and its so cool. The song is based around 5s, for a total of 15 or 30, depending on how you want to count it. The syncopation in that section takes the same pulse as the 15/8 pattern that has been present from the beginning of the song, but inverts the subdivision into groupings of 3. If you follow the ride cymbal and snare you can hear a classic 6/8 groove being played, (accented ride on 1 and 4, snare on 4) while the kick drum continues to play every 5 beats, so it shifts against the 6 pattern, one beat earlier every cycle. But the extra wild part is that shortly after this, the ride cymbal switches into 4 time via a 3:2 polyrhythm (or dotted notes compared to the original 6/8) perceptibly slowing down (or speeding up since, he switches entirely to hitting the bell), while all the other accents, kick and snare, continue their established counts. It's crazy to me that they found this roundabout way to make 4 a polyrhythm of 5, but without the typical method of using 20 beats and having one pulse every 4 16ths and the other every 5. They only used 15 total beats but fit a 4 in evenly, all with a 3 and a 5 pattern STILL happening. Its absolutely mind-bending and such an amazingly stilted section of music. I find it jarring, in the best way. It's funny you singled out the build up at 5:22, as there's actually a similar version of this mathematical relationship beginning there, with the snare playing a pattern based around 2, the hi-hat played with his foot based around 3, and the kick pattern based around 5. It leaves a lot of room for the harp solo, but it's actually a rather crazy polyrhythm.

[@DannyEye2704]

I’ll tell you someday is the perfect opener, and this song is the perfect exiter of an album I have ever heard. I love Plini, Simon, Jake, Chris, and anyone who contributes and makes the music of Plini possible whether it be on tour or their music to their t shirts to whatever! My favorite band who Ivew proudly seen twice, most recently in SLC where I stalked them before the show and got pics with all of em!

[@brettsarmiento9696]

And sometimes Troy Wright(on drums). Saw them as PlinIntervals in Seattle. Stellar experience!

[@firefury200]

i am trully glad that this world hasnt lost its taste of music, this composition combined with his drumming is an oasis among the current top 40 music,

[@Chris_Stanley007]

Gives me hope for the future.

[@benblackburn2693]

my head is scrambled. This is amazing to see the dexterity and control as well as how dynamically it all stays so consistent is a really tremendous thing.

[@JiNKA]

Oh c’mon. Who the hell is this good? This is upsetting to watch. Cries in 23/16.

[@jamisonandrewmanhorvaththe1124]

@@JDubzDrumz he’s honestly so underrated, and in my opinion one of the top prog drummers, and he’s fairly unknown for how good he is. Hopefully this playthrough gets him some more recognition.

[@danielcolautti170]

@@JDubzDrumz Might be out of selenium forest, he always does a solo at the end of the song!

[@Feverdream7777]

@Drum Guy yea, but crying in 15/4 is so overdone...

[@omukssbm]

6:10-6:55 Nailed it, what an absolute beast

[@matt2362]

Chris you are a killer drummer and such an inspiration. Love the odd time signature changes and that floor tom sounds big. Really love the sound of that FX stack at 3:11

[@Yeeeeeeeeee92]

That was phenomenal. Please release play throughs of the whole album!

[@ArtOfDrummingHQ]

I'm so late but FUCK YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. I like how this is minimally edited and processed, unlike a lot of covers/playthroughs which seem so doctored. So I love your very human and honest approach and sound. Keep doing all this great work Chris!

[@vishnugopakumar8807]

I've been listening to Impulse Voices for over a year now, and I gotta say you are 100% the reason why this album is as amazing as it is. There's this sort of confident and thunderous quality to almost every track on this record. You're not afraid to elevate the drumming onto the same level that Plini's guitar sits at, and it's proven time and time again. For example, in this song, from when stuff slows down at 3:58, the entire build up afterwards is leading up to when the drums really take centre stage. The section from 4:47 to 5:46 is simply leading up to what follows rhythmically afterwards. And from 6:10 onwards, I really have nothing to say. It leaves me speechless every time. It's a feeling only Matt Gartska has given me before. 'Pan' is the only song where I listen to the guitars, sax and bass. The rest of this album in my head is only drumming. Thank you Chris. truly, thank you.

[@themikeyb]

One thing that sticks out to me is just how calculated his playing style looks here - I mean that in the best way possible. It's not 'effortless' looking exactly either but it just feels like there was such thought and care given to the drums on this song and to the drums on this album in general.

[@MrMalmustaine]

I must admit - I’m not even a drummer, but i listen to this every single god damn morning with my coffee..on youtube and Spotify.. XD

[@stefanmccabe4705]

You’re one of the best drummers out there today. No joke.

[@JirkaMichalik]

One of the best drummers in the world. I've been lucky enough to meet him personally on small group drum lessons for one week. He's like the nicest guy ever. He deserves much bigger fame and respect than he's getting in compare to other drummers in this genre. I hope to see him on Drumeo soon!

[@morbidmanmusic]

don't go overboard on the "best in the world" stuff ... i'm beggin you

[@n2fabian726]

I love your sound and the dynamic you bring into a such complex ryhtms. Your ideas are not only the perfect fit for the music, they are exectued brilliantly as well!

[@jessepolowin2339]

6:23 is godly, personal favorite moment on the album - alternating between snare and double bass accents is incredible

[@rileydunn9973]

YES. That left hand🤯

[@jon.yama-otoko]

Absolutely mind-blowing moment!

[@robertmueller5843]

Simply the most prolific, influential, masterful drummer I have ever had the blessing to hear. I was a drummer most of my life and I never heard anyone as phenomenal as Chris. (I’m almost 60, so I’ve been around 😉) The absolute best, in my most humble opinion. 🙏♥️

[@SudsRegal]

I was always a fan of Troy Wright’s work with Plini and have to admit that I missed him when the Sunhead EP came out (where Chris Alison was debuted with Plini) but I doubt even Troy could have pulled off such incredibly tasteful and complex drum parts that Chris has constructed on the entire Impulse Voices album! His subtly mixed with brutal is something I haven’t seen before, even Thomas Haake from Meshuggah would have found this track challenging!

[@majikTradez28]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@RJDivine]

I’ve been waiting for this it’s so SICK 😍

[@ChrisAllisonDrums]

Love you bud x

[@Jekylnhyde55]

My daughter & I saw you guys in Charlotte last Friday night. Incredible show!

[@maxmusicGER]

Ooooh hell yeah! Love this song and your drumming on it! Thanks a lot for the surprise with the video! Hope to see you soon back here in germany with plini and the crew! 🙌🏼☺️

[@emmanueldudret]

When virtuosos collaborate... Amazing! Chapeau bas, Chris Allison !

[@arpanpeter9326]

I’ve watched you in action twice, Chris. I was absolutely blown and I always wondered if you could outdo yourself and along came this song. I listen to it at least 10 times a day. Starting my day with the play through for the track make me a very happy man.

[@drumdaddy205]

I bought the sheet music for this album and I am currently working on dialing in perfume and impulse voices (the easiest for me to learn) well enough that i can make videos of myself playing them. My long term goal is this song. This drum part may well be your magnum opus! If i can ever get my way around playing all these different permutations of 15 and get anywhere within the realm of being able to transition between them i will be so happy with myself. This song sets many many high bars and the ease at which you execute it is so humbling. thank you for the wonderful music.

[@Jacco-JJ]

Im STILL so impressed by that Ride

[@tanujkumar1576]

Can't wait to see this live!

[@rossboss1]

Can’t wait to see all you guys perform this live together!

[@57anakin67]

Dude, you rock !! Please, keep these sessions coming! Love your drumming, sound, drum and cymbal choices, and Plini!

[@IndieForgeMedia]

I’ve watched to this so many times. You’re a legend Chris.

[@michaelfrancis1]

Flippin' Fantastic! What a talented group of people! Stellar stuff!!

[@zzirjukez2899]

love the album so much. plini is the best dude ever and I cant wait to see you live one day.

[@danielsaid6366]

Absolutely incredible.

[@TaylorDouglasMusic]

Holy moley! Incredible mate. Everything sounds lush and great playing, as always.

[@vladimirseroukhov155]

Amazing job, Chris!

[@Thelearner1000]

Incredible sound! So peaceful!!

[@Insider_Magic]

Absolutely brilliant!!!

[@GearAddict]

Those SQ1's sounding amazing! still on the list of kits i need to own. Fantastic playing, Chris! always loved the fluidity of your playing.

[@Honda628]

One of a kind! Amazing!

[@catchlovesound]

Incredible performance!

[@sebastiandelatorre8260]

Awesome!

[@reisselpud]

Nice ! Thank you Chris !

[@ACportal]

the drumming in this track always blows me away.

[@jdhocking]

This is one thousand percent the best shot drum video of all time. Of. All. Time. Fucking cinematic. Perfect. 🏆

[@kolbezuniga9000]

That double kick action is soo satisfying! Smooth and steady

[@mwmdotnet]

truly incredible, thank you for sharing with us

[@715Tyler]

Super great, thanks for sharing ! Listening in Central Wisconsin

[@craigfrober316]

In terms of writing drum parts, you're up there with the best of them. Stellar work Chris!

[@SingSkateScream]

chills everytime. thanks man!

[@spencerj]

Good god, these tones are unbelievable

[@MrJoshArias]

Genius. Can't wait to see you live. PS, would love to see a video of impulse voices

[@DannyEye2704]

Thank you Chris this is pure beauty

[@Muradine404]

Bravo ! Beautiful and tight af playing

[@chrismack1535]

Stellar 🎶🥁🎵🌟

[@joaquinstucchi]

Amazing stuff

[@Ryo7_7]

Truly stunning. One of the best of my time and across all genres. 👌🏾

[@joshuawenk3485]

Thank you so much Chris. Inspirational! ❤

[@dontfeedthetrolls9115]

Absolutely mind shattering. Excellent man

[@AnthonyGhazel]

Fantastic

[@TDuBs97]

My buddy just put me on this and holy shit my mouth was open the whole damn time at how wild this was. Tempo all over the place, off beat everything, using the same right hand beat on the all the different cymbals with different variations making each one unique, and bringing the different snare head on for the last minute was an amazing send off

[@DRUmBEaTTS]

Great composition, great drumming!

[@CalvinHansenMusic]

SIlky smooth, man. Love this tune!

[@RolfWamFjell]

"Beard Game" was the only thing I saw in the title. Epic track! Epic drumming! Epic beard game! Well done.

[@cornplumb80]

Amazing everything dude. Blown away. I'm so glad I stumbled on this. Thank you Chris!

[@maikel2321]

You're my fav drummer out there. Thanks for all :)

[@nsimonsen63]

Such graceful and elegant playing.

[@DannyEye2704]

This frickin song... album... drummer. I love this band so damn much. Thanks for your music dude

[@heyshwa5102]

Absolutely brilliant man!

[@SimpleUsernameOriginal]

Everything is there and more. Skill, visual, auditory... good luck Chris

[@cx777o]

Really love the video production in this clip 👌🏾

[@vvvguitarYT]

Now let's just hope this is one in a series 😍

[@jgavpercussion]

Love watching that ride cymbal seemingly move in slow-motion

[@do8671]

Love it!!!

[@nickmorrisdrums1614]

You and troy wright are the only drummers I am aware of who can match Plini's musicality, dynamics, feeling, and creativity. It says a lot about a drummer who can make music with a non-tonal instrument without playing "in front" of the band rather than with them, and you have perfectly captured in this new album. You are truly an inspiration.

[@joelcoool]

brooks wackerman and matt garstka are the only others i can think of

[@joostteigeler]

@@joelcoool Chad Wackerman?

[@asagoldsmith3328]

@@joostteigeler who else?

[@jamesmartin4500]

Absolutely outstanding mate. Well done.

[@stuckinslowmo9172]

Hey dude! When IV was first released, I thought it was a masterpiece and was hooked instantly. I listened to nothing else for months tbh. It has pushed me to be a better drummer and I’ve taken so much inspiration from it for my new band’s project. So major thanks to you my dude.

[@krenwregget7667]

after hearing this track, I will buying the album. Well done to all involved.

[@mikepane1123]

the best track of the album (for me). Great Job Chris!!!!!!!

[@TheBadThad]

Brilliant!

[@Robbo1966]

My Favourite song at the moment, hope this moment lasts

[@Mistykittykat]

I read that as Glass Beard Game 😻

[@swayamtailor]

I love this!

[@jasonwright4144]

Bro you are one well rounded drummer. Sheesh! The style, the drums layout, choice of cymbals, nothing was over played or underplayed, just wow. You are definitely one of the top drummers on youtube. Keep up the good work! God Bless :)

[@majikTradez28]

A drumming Masterpiece

[@joschka420]

Man, I play drums since 2004, basicly since I was a child and discovering you through Plini was life changing for a drummer like me (we) are out there. I just cant wait to figure this crazy stuff out you are playing, it gives me so much more will to go further and out of my comfort zone and to never stop *-* big thank you! :)

[@danetalentscout7137]

Really good job here, just 100 percent pure talent

[@lev1471]

Amazing 🔥🔥🔥

[@ben-n-stephflyingcircus8281]

Good God man! Mesmerizing!

[@juliencarnevale2712]

That was insane Chris!!

[@coachmusicstl]

Your drumming in this album is amazing… can’t get enough of taking what sounds like a simple groove… but the groove is NOT simple by any means lol that goes for this whole album and your creative with your grooves. The creativity and feel inspires me so much in this whole album. Amazing play through of and awesome song.

[@edlrocks12591]

I havent even watched this yet but god damn im excited. Ok back to it.