Bundle Drum Sheet & Drumless – INXS – Original Sin

For a fan of the drums, “Original Sin” by INXS is a hypnotic blend of rock, funk, and dance-floor tension, driven by a groove that feels both sleek and dangerous. It’s a song where rhythm isn’t just support—it’s the engine, pulling everything forward with quiet authority.

The track was written in 1983 during a transitional period for INXS. The band was moving away from their raw pub-rock roots toward a more sophisticated, groove-based sound. Songwriting duties were shared between Andrew Farriss and Michael Hutchence, who often began with rhythmic ideas rather than lyrics. For “Original Sin,” the foundation came from a dark, pulsing synth line and a beat that needed to feel mechanical yet sensual. That balance would define the song.

Drummer Jon Farriss approached the track with precision and restraint. Instead of traditional rock fills, he leaned into a steady, almost metronomic groove influenced by funk and early electronic music. The kick drum is tight and repetitive, the snare sharp and consistent, and the hi-hat patterns subtle but insistent. For drummers, this is a lesson in control: the groove barely changes, yet it never loses tension. Every bar reinforces the song’s seductive pull.

The band recorded “Original Sin” for their album The Swing (1984), working with producer Nile Rodgers of Chic. Rodgers encouraged INXS to emphasize rhythm and space, pushing the drums and bass forward in the mix. Jon Farriss’ playing was deliberately clean and locked tightly to the bass, creating a danceable foundation that still felt edgy. The production stripped away excess, letting the groove breathe and dominate.

On stage, “Original Sin” quickly became a highlight of INXS live shows. The band played it extensively during tours in Australia, Europe, and the United States, especially as their international profile grew in the mid-1980s. In clubs and theaters, the drum beat hit hard, turning the song into a physical experience. Audiences responded instinctively—moving, swaying, locked into the rhythm before the chorus even arrived.

For a drummer, “Original Sin” is about discipline and feel. There’s no room for ego or unnecessary embellishment. The power comes from repetition, consistency, and the confidence to hold a groove steady while the song unfolds around it. Jon Farriss proves that when the drums are locked in just right, they can be both minimal and magnetic. Decades later, “Original Sin” still pulses with life—a reminder that the right beat, played with conviction, never goes out of style.