The drummer, with a passion for all things related to his instrument, likens the process to a form of cheating, taking to his social media platforms to open up a debate on the issue. An outspoken practitioner of drumming naturally and without the aid of ‘studio tricks’, many agree with Reynolds, while some argue it depends on how individual bands use it.

some of your favourite bands have ALL their kick drums on track and you’re so dumb you don’t notice

— craig reynolds VERIFlED CHECKMARK HERE (@reynlord) May 23, 2023

The debate all started when Reynolds tweeted that some people’s favourite bands do not play certain drum parts during live performances. In a video on Instagram, Reynolds stated that the overall consensus by Twitter users was that this practise was ok, although Reynolds himself compared the use of drums on backing tracks to ‘miming’. The drummer for American hardcore band Stray From the Path not only professed his displeasure at the use but was also left gobsmacked by the reaction his Tweet received.

I’m hoping it’s just because I called everyone dumb but it seems like everyone is okay with this. Don’t bother practicing or becoming proficient kids, it’s the taking part that counts!!!!!!!!

— craig reynolds VERIFlED CHECKMARK HERE (@reynlord) May 23, 2023

With the use of backing tracks becoming a recurring incidence during live performances in this day and age, many people are resigned to the use of them, with Reynolds claiming that people are happy with songs that sound exactly like the record- live. The Glasgow based drummer further elaborated in a tweet, “putting ALL of the kick drum on a backing track is like having a football team with one player who is secretly an android, but then everyone just going ‘ah cool that android is absolutely murdering everyone again and scored 500 goals, love this.'”  

Reynolds, a musical purist, is a strong adherent of hard work, talent and artistry and believes the shift to backing tracks will give rise to programs such as AI creating music and stopping support for musicians. Regardless of which side one falls on the issue, Reynolds has certainly stirred up an intriguing debate which will surely continue to gather steam over the coming years.

Reynolds, hailing from Reading, England started his career by serving as a drum technician for the band Architects while also teaching the instrument to young aspiring musicians. Joining the New York based hardcore band Stray From the Path in 2016, Reynolds has become an influential voice in the music scene via his successful podcast show The Downbeat, where he speaks to fellow musicians in the world of metal and hardcore.

Stray From the Path have recently wrapped up a tour of Australia in support of Aussie based band In Hearts Wake. Reynolds’ podcast The Downbeat can be heard on Spotify and all other media outlets.

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We’re really excited to share that we’ve joined the @ninjatune family and our new single ‘Talks’ is out everywhere now. Talks is the first single off our debut EP ‘Toner’ which will be out November 20th physically and digitally via @bigdadarecords. Toner features three new tracks and remixes from @the_mura_masa , @lynkslynkslynks and Daniel Fox of @birl_gand . You can preorder the 12” along with some merch bundles via http://pva.band Feels good to finally be sharing this music with you all – thanks for waiting Love to @laurenlaverne for premiering Talks on her show this morning and big love and thanks to all the people who’ve helped us work towards this release in the craziest of times – to Maddy, Darius, Marco, Dan, Lex, Feta, Lewis, Chloe, The Ninja Tune Team, Adam, Oli, Elliot, G, Tim P & everyone else who made this possible along the way. We love you! J, L & E x Artwork photography by @lewis.khan Styling by @chloealicefrieda Design by PVA & @slugxoxo

A post shared by PVA (@pva_are_ok) on Sep 30, 2020 at 2:00am PDT

The track opens with what sounds like a church organ sound, quickly interrupted by a rhythm section so energetic its impossible not to tap your foot too. PVA is a genre-defying band, but the dance element present in their debut single Divine Intervention is clearly alive and kicking in Talks.

Then enters the dark guttural sound of Josh Baxter’s voice: ‘I’ve been stuck tryna to play this game// and I rolled the dice just to see you again’, he sings, echoed by the heavenly vocals of Ella Harris. The chemistry between their voices is reminiscent of the classic partnership between Serge Gainsbourg and Brigitte Bardot.

Talks was inspired by the relationship between two Red Dead Redemption characters, Abigail and John Marston. The repeated refrain, ‘you don’t wanna talk// nah you don’t wanna talk’ that Harris and Baxter sing interchangeably, could be a back and forth between the cowboy couple.

When Baxter sings ‘I’ve searched for forgiveness’, the edge in his voice makes it sound like he could be taking on the persona of the determined protagonist, with whom Abigail’s main complaint was that he wouldn’t leave behind his violent and vengeful ways. It is a tale as old as time, but PVA’s take is entirely fresh.

One of the most notable things about Talks is the instrumental maturity displayed. Synths, guitars and a tight drum beat all work together flawlessly; disappearing and reappearing at the perfect moments. The electric guitar accent that weaves through the song is is a pure stroke of genius, as is Louis Satchell’s drumming, which provides the framework for all the other layers.

For a young band with only two singles out, one might be surprised at how confident PVA’s sound feels. But the band has been playing together for a few years now, building up support through live performances in cult venues like The Windmill and the Bunker. Managed by members of the powerhouse DIY collective Slow Dance and having just signed to Big Dada, they are well set to go from strength to strength. You can preorder their upcoming EP Toner via their website.