Drum Sheet – Nothing But Thieves – Wake Up Call

Released in 2015 on their self-titled debut album, “Wake Up Call” introduced Nothing But Thieves to the world as a band that could blend soaring vocals with explosive, modern rock energy. It wasn’t their biggest commercial hit, but it quickly became a fan favorite—especially among listeners who appreciate sharp, dynamic drumming.

The track originated during late-night writing sessions in Essex when the band was still developing their identity. Singer Conor Mason and guitarist Joe Langridge-Brown came up with the main vocal melody first, inspired by the idea of someone being jolted out of complacency. From there, the band wanted to build a track that felt like exactly that—a sudden shock. The turning point came when drummer James Price laid down the initial beat, an aggressive driving pattern built around tightly-played toms and staccato snare hits. The rest of the song soon formed around that pulse.

Price didn’t want a standard kick-snare-kick-snare structure. Instead, he created a syncopated groove that feels slightly off center during the verses—playing with ghost notes, subtle hi-hat texturing and tom accents to add tension. When the chorus arrives, he switches to a powerful straight-ahead pattern with open hi-hats and punchy snare hits, creating the feeling of a “release.” The contrast between the tight, nervous verses and the explosive choruses gives the track its emotional impact. Every drum fill feels like a warning siren.

The band recorded “Wake Up Call” in Brussels with producer Julian Emery. Much of the track was captured live in the room to preserve the raw energy and interaction between the instruments, including the drums. To give the percussion more grit, Price recorded with slightly muted toms and a vintage Ludwig snare, adding intentional roughness to the tone.

On stage, “Wake Up Call” became a staple of Nothing But Thieves’ early tours. It was one of the highlights of their performances at Reading & Leeds 2015 and later their Broken Machine Tour, where the crowd often clapped along with the drum intro before the band even hit the first chorus. Live, Price sometimes extended the verse groove slightly or added heavier tom fills, making each version slightly unpredictable and always intense.

For drum fans, “Wake Up Call” is a perfect example of how creative rhythm choices—rather than sheer speed or complexity—can give a modern rock song its entire personality.