Join Captain Pikant as he dives into Eurythmics’ ‘Sweet Dreams’, revealing the power of simplicity in its iconic groove. Expect a blend of rare gear tips and quirky instrumentals, all served with a side of rhythm and technology fusion.

23. July 2025
RILEY
CaptainPikant’s Beat Breakdown: Unraveling Eurythmics’ Drum Magic!
acidlab Drumatix, Arturia Keystep, Dübreq Stylophone, Milk Bottles (2025 reissue), Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32, Squarp Hapax
The Simplicity that Slaps
What makes ‘Sweet Dreams’ a timeless hit? CaptainPikant kicks things off by questioning whether it’s Annie Lennox’s bold look or the song’s dystopian vibe. But let’s be real—it’s all about that drum track. The main message? Simplicity slaps hard when done right. CaptainPikant plans to recreate this magic using modern tools, inviting viewers to follow his beat expedition.

"Sweet Dreams is a brilliant example of how a deceptively simple drum beat, if done right, can make a song hit even harder."
Rare Machine Lore & Modern Day Magic

"It's so rare that you can't even find any of its sounds as samples online."
CaptainPikant shares a deep dive into the history and scarcity of the Movement MCS percussion computer, a rare gem that played a crucial role in the original track. However, this beast is rarer than a free cable at Guitar Center. No worries, though. CaptainPikant, in true synth wizard fashion, gives us alternatives. He draws comparisons to the Simmons SDSV and the Lindrum, with a nod to making do with what you got—standard issue Lindrum kicks it is! He goes on to craft a monstrous kick-tom hybrid sound, using a Roland DR-660 and a little bit of synth wizardry.
Ghost Notes & Groove Hacking
Exploring beyond the basic pattern, CaptainPikant sprinkles in the beauty of ghost notes on the kick drum. They give a groove lighter steps, much like secret spices in your grandma’s chili, adding depth without weight. He dives into variations, showing how omitting ghost notes here and there switches up the beat’s vibe. These subtleties are key for adding that extra punch to your own jam sessions.
Hi-Hats, Milk Bottles, and Minimalism
Diving deeper, CaptainPikant geeks out on hi-hat tricks, going full-on nerd with 16th note hi-hats using a TR-606 clone. But it doesn’t stop there—milk bottles become unsung heroes, shining light on how low-tech solutions merge with high-tech ambition. The juxtaposition of rare drum machines with these household items captures the DIY spirit perfectly. This mix of creativity in instruments mimics the quirky and unpredictable nature of street art.

"They are analog recreations based on the same classic design, and they share most of the features of the original."
Nail That Synth Riff Like a Boss
Switching gears to melody, CaptainPikant dissects the iconic synth riff. With a simplistic setup—a mono synth with just two oscillators—he lays down the building blocks. It’s all about sawtooth waves and square wave layers, a balance of detuning for chorus vibes and adjusting envelopes for a rhythmic tug. Tips abound for morphing basic synth routines into spectacular riffs, proving once again that simplicity rules. Add a flanger to give it some extra movement, and you have a soundscape worthy of airwave conquest.
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