For well over a year now, Deftones fans worldwide have been awaiting the release of their highly anticipated fifth album. Chino has seemingly taken forever to get down the vocals, and the three-year stretch between the albums has been painful despite their adequate 'B-Sides and Rarities' release last fall. Finally, a tentative release date of September 12th has been put forth. A light on the horizon for fans of the 'Tones.
In retrospect, and in respect for the band that helped pioneer Nu-Metal from its birth to its exaustion, I found it apropriate to examine their previous album, the 2003 self-titled release. This album was either a turn-on and turn-off depending on the listener and their expectations. For me, it draws the short straw for least favourite Deftones album (or possibly Adrenaline), however it still stands upright as a fine work and a worthwhile addition to the Deftones catalogue.
The Band:
Chino Moreno- vocals and guitars
Chi Cheng- bass
Abe Cunnngham- drums
Stef Carpenter- guitar
Frank Delango- samples/turntables
I sometimes refer to this album as 'Black Pony'. While similar to White Pony in its experimental sound and raw power, it has a darker and more sinister feel to it. Another comparison I like is that, if White Pony were a drug-fueled night on the town, this album would be the bitter and regretable hangover. That's not to say that the album is without its tranquil moments. It just comes off on the whole as somewhat bleak, and a little disturbed.
The reason that I was reluctant to purchase this album initially were the singles. MINERVA, while a decent song, does not live up to standards set by past hits like 'Change' or 'My Own Summer'. It's radio friendly and an obvious choice for a single. But it doesn't carry the same harrowing edge that the Deftones are known for. Its more uplifing in an ocean-sunrise kind of way. Then came HEXAGRAM, which I have never much cared for. Although frantic and sometimes fun, the endless shouting of "Worship, play, worship, play" grows tiresome. Also its not as dynamic as some of their other songs, without any real builds. In all, a poor choice of singles from the album.
However, there are gems buried within the album that sadly never saw the surface. NEEDLES AND PINS holds a catchy guitar line that is joined by Chi's impressive bass-work during the second verse. The song is a call out to their fans (or a particular female fan?) and features some excellent screaming/singing transitions by Chino. WHEN GIRLS TELEPHONE BOYS begins with a quiet telephone conversation as the title suggests, then explodes into hard-as-nails rock tht doesn't let up. Chino screams as if throat cancer is back in style. A nice slap in the face in the middle of the album. In contrast, BATTLE AXE offers a beautiful but haunting meodic sound, showcasing the talents of Delango's ambience and Stef's driving chords. A personal favourite, this is the album at its darkest and most subtely sinister.
A couple of songs could as soon be labelled Team Sleep and left at that. LUCKY YOU consists of an electroinc beat and Chino's vocals, much like 'Teenager', except once again darker. Although this does well for Chino and Delango, the song seems out-of-place at times and could have found a happier home on a different album. Then we have ANNIVERSARY OF AN UNINTERESTING MOMENT, which is the slowest thing in the 'Tones repetoire. Consisting of light guitar and bell noises, the track lullabies us to sleep. Again, not a bad song but far from taditional Deftones.
Then there are a couple tracks that fall on their faces. GOOD MORNING BEAUTIFUL sounds more like the Foo Fighters than anything else. Its chorus is annoying and doesn't fit the music, and it wears out my track-skipping finger. MOANA is also one of the weakest album closers ever, without the usual climax of Deftones closers (Fist, Pink Maggit) and without anything really catchy or attractive. These blemishes scar the album and deduct rather than add to its dark appeal.
The insturmentation seems to have slid a little. Stef, while never particularily impressive, seems to be napping while strumming at times. Even with his distinct guitar sound, the lack of variety can be quite dull. Abe doesn't really step up the drumming on this album, and does not compare to some beats held down on their earlier works. And Chino doesn't hit the spectacular notes found on White Pony tracks like 'Digital Bath' and 'Korea'.
To end on a positive note, there is one stand out track that has risen to rank as my favourite Deftones song. This is the albums third and minor single, the schizophreic BLOODY CAPE. A light intro gives wasy to simple but heavy guitar chords and vocals. This song thrashes its way into your head and refueses to leave. The chorus bludgeons like a hammer, and the screaming at the end is some of the most frightening noise I have ever heard. Beautiful.
In all, an interesting progression for the reformed 'Nu-metal' group. My advice is to let the album grow on you for a while. I really didn't care for it at first but it has grown on me. Recommended for any morning-after, anyways.
Recommendations:
Needles and Pins
When Girls Telephone Boys
Battle-Axe
Bloody Cape
