Portraits - From 4.28 - Drum Studio Session

This is an original song that I recorded with Ben Slack (guitars, bass, vocals), which is titled 'From 4.28' and is a part of a project we call Portraits. We are in the process of writing additional songs and plan to record a full-length EP in London in November.

This is the original tracking of the drums for our first single. The song title refers to one of the oldest dated exposed geological sequences on the earth, dated to 4.28 billion years, and the lyrics focus on the genius of Scottish geologist James Hutton, who predicted deep time back in the 1700s.

The songwriting process is somewhat unique, in that the structure of the song is first written entirely on the drums, which serve as the template over which all music is written. This allows a lot of creative freedom for both of us in the songwriting process, and naturally lends itself to complex compositions (odd time signatures; polyrhythms, etc.).

I'm very excited where this project is going, and I think you all are going to love the other songs that we are working on.

If you like this song and want to hear more, let us know...your feedback helps motivate us! Please like and share to spread the word.

We have a lot of additional information in the download package, including an essay from Ben and myself explaining the songwriting process, influences, recording strategies, etc.

Portraits is Ben Slack & John Williams

Song mixed by Ben Slack @ Hurt Studios
Mastered by Chris Graham
Thanks to William Cameron for Cyprium logo design
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and Twitter @JohnkewDrums

[XboxSkateVids]

Oh how I've missed your videos great kewmeister. Glad you're back!

[GOLDENWOOD]

Really like the contrast and saturation setting--makes the entire set glow, especially the polished cymbals.  Your drumming is, of course, vivid--soulful, precise, intense, solid.  Well done, again, good sir!

[lkwalden]

The last 2 minutes or so had a heavy Tool vibe about them. Really cool drumming; can't wait to hear more original material!

[jacobmccann]

your snare sounds like you said fuck it to snare wires lol i love it

[dumithegreat]

THANK I can finally learn this song, in it's entirety.

[DrumsInTheSink]

Absolutely huge snare sound! Well done my friend keep it up!

[riseofthefallen]

Man, kickass song, great job, both of you!

[silenttool]

Sounds awesome, looking forward to hear and see more of this!
Monster drum parts to, the ones after the 5 min mark blew me away!
A firm thumbs up!

[MylesWain]

Insane man. I wouldn't even know where to start with that song, I'm trying to learn a few tool songs but I simply can't memorise them :(

[alexanderschildknecht]

Do you know the french band GOJIRA? Their drummer is absolutely amazing. I would love to see a cover of them...Esoteric surgery comes to mind. However you should check them out if u haven't already :)

[kolbycarrouth]

Sounds like Danny Carey jamming with Devin Townsend

[ninibassiste]

This song is so good and your drums on it, so rich! Are you planning on eventually touring someday?

[jizy]

im not too found of his voice, just my weird preference ofc. but other than that this sounds really great!

[larrytate]

John, do you use the extended footboard DW 9000 or the regular 9000?

[Don_of_the_Dad]

Fair to Midland mixed with Tool
Anyone else getting this?

[GreySoul]

I really miss a good bass in this track :'c

[branniganfarnsworth]

Great guitar and drumming. But those vocals aren't for me