With each release, CaliforniaΓÇÖs Deftones has significantly expanded its sound and pushed the boundaries of its music well past any kind of neo-metal tag. While there are enough hard-hitting moments to make old fans feel at home, the bandΓÇÖs third, White Pony (which adds turntablist Frank Delgado to the lineup), leaves most of the DFΓÇÖs peers in the dust.
"Feiticeira" (inspired by a Brazilian game show where the winner drinks milk out of the hostΓÇÖs navel), begins on familiar territory with a grinding, repetitive guitar riff. Singer Chino Moreno croons, wails, and screams a twisted little tale of being kidnapped. By mid-song, a treated, sinister voice is chanting, "soon IΓÇÖll let you go." Creepy, huh?
"Digital Bath" begins the sonic exploration, delving into the thick, murky depths of bands like My Bloody Valentine and the Cure. The textures are rich, and Moreno takes full advantage of his newfound freedom, singing full-on and letting syllables linger until they are all but consumed by the wall of sound. Even the metal riffs on the punishing "Elite" have a knowing, sophisticated edge. Tunes like "Knife Prty" and "Korea" merely maintain the status quo, but hang in for "Pink Maggot" which adds a bit of Pink Floyd/Syd Barrett mind-twisting to the mix.
Anyone who has dismissed the Deftones early on as one-dimensional is in for a surprise--and a treat: This could very well be the most creative hard rock band in the states.
All recordings courtesy of Maverick Records. All songs written by Deftones; courtesy of WB Music Corp./Maverick Music My Rib It's Broke (ASCAP).
