Don Broco Unleashes Their Latest Sonic Adventure wiht *Nightmare Tripping*
British rock innovators Don Broco have unveiled their fifth studio album, *Nightmare Tripping*, showcasing the thunderous basslines crafted by Tom Doyle. This latest offering continues to blur the lines between pop rock and nu metal, with a songwriting approach that emphasizes simplicity over complexity.
the Art of Bass Playing: Tom DoyleS Philosophy
“One crucial lesson I learned early on is understanding your role as a bassist,” shares Doyle. “It’s about providing a solid foundation for the guitars and filling in any sonic gaps.” He emphasizes that unless one is pursuing a solo career, the focus should be on supporting the overall sound rather than showcasing individual prowess.
“If you try to overplay, you risk getting drowned out. instead, finding those moments to let your bass shine can create something truly captivating for the audience.”
Riff-Driven Soundscapes
The standout feature of *Nightmare Tripping* is its compelling bass work, wich drives the album’s energy. Doyle channels the raw power of his bass guitar, syncing seamlessly with guitarist Simon Delaney. When asked about their tuning choices, he explains, “Many of our new tracks are already tuned quite low. Si frequently enough plays a 7-string guitar tuned to A, which means I need to match that depth with my bass.”
“for live performances of tracks like *Cellophane* and *Hype Man*,I drop my bass tuning to a low G,” he adds. “Typically, I tune my 5-string bass down a whole step from standard, resulting in A-D-G-C-F, but I often adjust for playability.”
Studio Setup and Gear Choices
Doyle utilized various bass guitars during the recording process, predominantly relying on his Spector Euro LX. “I also have a Dingwall Combustion – the Nashville Edition with a Rupert Neve Designs preamp – which excels at delivering low frequencies while maintaining clarity,” he notes. “It’s perfect for adding that extra punch without losing the core note.”
Live Performance vs.Studio Recording
When discussing his favorite tracks to perform live, Doyle expresses recognition for the diversity of their sound. “Each song offers something unique, whether it’s the crowd’s energy or the chance to groove with our drummer, matt. Right now, *Euphoria* is a blast to play, even if it’s quite a workout!”
Reflecting on the differences between live and studio performances, he states, “While I strive for perfection in the studio, live shows are about embracing the moment. Mistakes happen, but the energy and connection with the audience take precedence over hitting every note flawlessly.”
Collaborations and Inspirations
On the topic of collaborations, Doyle reveals, “We’ve always admired Nickelback, so having them on the title track was surreal. Their guitarist, Ryan Peake, attended one of our shows in Vancouver and later invited us to support them on their european tour.”
“While writing *Nightmare Tripping*, we envisioned Chad and Ryan on the chorus, and to our delight, they were enthusiastic about joining us. The response from our fans has been overwhelmingly positive.”
Memorable Moments and Future Aspirations
Recalling their performance at Download Festival, Doyle shares, “That was our first show after focusing on writing *Nightmare Tripping*. It was a relief to see that people still cared about us, and it reignited our passion for performing.”
As for his studio setup, Doyle explains, “It varies widely. Sometimes it’s just a direct input into a software amp, while other times I use preamp/amp simulations like the Origin FX BassRig or Darkglass B3K. For *Nightmare Tripping*, we even recorded at chris Wolstenholme’s studio, which was an remarkable experience.”
“Chris played more of an engineering role, but it was fantastic to run my bass through such an iconic rig. He has an exceptional ear for sound,and the drum recordings from a small space turned out amazing.”
Advice for Aspiring Bassists
When asked about his influences, Doyle cites Incubus’s Dirk Lance and Ben Kenney as significant inspirations, along with the early basslines of Jamiroquai. “I also admire technique-driven players like Victor Wooten and Billy Sheehan. Their dedication is truly inspiring.”
“If I could offer one piece of advice to bassists, it would be to keep listening, learning, and practicing. There’s always room for growth, and I need to remind myself of that too.”
