Deftones to start what will be a fractured and nerve-wracking week – recorded at this year’s Primavera Sound Porto on July 14th and preserved for posterity by Radio Nacional de España Radio 3.
I haven’t run any Deftones in a long time. No reason, but sometimes there is just such a flood of new artists and bands that it sometimes means putting the older ones on hold until there is breathing room. That’s not been happening a lot lately, as there is a steady stream of new and interesting music happening all over and, despite what you hear from the Mainstream, the 2020’s have been productive and show signs contemporary Music is far from dead. It’s just not breathing the same air as the Frozen are.
Deftones have been with us for a while – and perhaps these past few years have been particularly relevant for this band to grab and hold on to our attention. I keep talking about Music as a vital tool for protest and viewing society from different eyes and offering solutions. As has always been the case, some prefer not to get involved and go for the safe places. But truths to tell, those safe places are becoming less and less appealing or even realistic, we are treading in new uncertain territory so we need those voices to help guide things along.
Not saying Deftones are political by any stretch – but they are humanist which, by their anger and ferocity, also offer a glimpse of how things could be. And how they keep stretching and reaching is further evidence they are with us for the long haul.
Not crazy about Deftones being pigeonholed as an Alternative Metal band. Don’t know about you, but the mention of Metal has always conjured up Spandex, hairspray and Hedonism (okay – I’m a 70s refugee), but it has grown up, particularly during the 90s when it morphed into Grunge – and maybe the custom of vocal-frying is a trademark of Metal, I would like to think there is a more all-inclusive embrace of popular culture here – something that takes the human spirit into consideration. I would like to think Deftones are in a different direction, one with a lot more passion and spirit attached. That’s where I think the power lies – but what do I know? I’ve been on the planet too long.
Needless to say – Deftones for this Monday; the Monday before a contentious and anticipated election – one where the status quo is being questioned, complacency is no longer tolerated and escape is no solution. It’s days like these where Deftones fit right in and make themselves at home.
So crank it up and stay strong. Many hours and a lifetime left to go . . .
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