An Open Letter To Neil Pert.

Dear Neil Pert,
After listening to your seven minute drum solo, and your eleven minute drum solo, and... you get the point, I was a huge fan by the age of twelve. I'd flaunt my knowledge of you in classic rock conversations with my friends' parents, and watch as they would fully engulf themselves in every word I said.

Move over for Joshua Elness. The eighteen year old is surpassing you (and everyone else, for that matter) like it's nobody's business. I've been watching him play the drums, quads, snare, entire marching band percussion section since the sixth grade, and after a six month hiatus from him, I'm only more impressed. His fills are faster than ever, and his introductions undeniably unstoppable. His music taste is widespread, though he mainly has both feet attached to double bass pedals in the Central Valley's Hardcore music scene. It's a huge deal around here. Sitting next to Elness, and he can't stop fidgeting. Anytime music is playing, he's tapping along, moving his feet on imaginary pedals faster than any teenager should be able to. "It just comes natural now," he explains. "I can't help it. It's an addiction."

And even better, he's humble about it. He'll readily spout names of local drummers better than him, and signed drummers he looks up to. But once you hear him play... you're lost in the consistent feel and rhythms he creates.