Sergio Vega

Title Tracks: Deftones

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Deftones have a long history of making quite complete albums. There are a couple that are a little disjointed but, for the most part are rather perfectly sequenced. Their artistry and evolution is something that many bands from their era should have taken a cue from. They’ve managed to stay relevant by pushing themselves as songwriters and performers as well as incorporating other elements into their sound to separate themselves from their peers. On these few title track songs, Deftones, really encapsulated the sound of these albums with these songs.

Deftones- Around The Fur:

 

Deftones- Diamond Eyes:

 

Deftones- Gore:

 

Album Review: Deftones- Gore

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After 20 plus years as a band and now 8 albums in, where do you go? Deftones have never been a band to play it safe. They shake things up every now and then, showing the band is constantly evolving. Their new album Gore is a prime example of a band maturing and expanding upon its influences. It’s nice to hear a band like this take chances and try new things, but the end result isn’t all that pretty. Gore has a flow to it that is makes it seem more like a collection of songs rather than an album. There are a few songs that are absolute standouts on this record. Songs like “Hearts/Wires,” “Phantom Bride,” and “Rubicon” are the best the album has to offer. “Hearts/Wires”  should have been the first single released. Chino sounds vulnerable and focused on this song. There are great harmonies as well that take it up a notch or a few. As of this writing my favorite track is “Phantom Bride.” Jerry Cantrell guests on the song, providing a guitar solo that fits ever so perfectly with the vibe of the song. The song is also one of the the most heartfelt songs on the album. Chino shines on this, as well as the rest of the band. Other songs that caught my attention are “Prayers/Triangles,” “Acid Hologram,” and “(L)MIRL.” There is something very etherial to these songs. They expand upon the Deftones more “ambient” side.

Part of the problem with the album is the production and mixing. It’s very disjointed. The drums are buried in the back and don’t have the sense or urgency that fans of the band have loved for many years. There is a “raw” element to this album and I get it, but it’s just not done well at all. I understand why they didn’t want to continue on the path that they laid with Diamond Eyes and Koi No Yokon, but they seemed to have strayed a little too far on this one. The end result is that this album will definitely be one that grows on you with time. This is not to say that you won’t enjoy Gore, but it will for sure be one of the albums in the bands catalog that songs get skipped on a lot.

Scale of 1-10: 4

Deftones- Gore:

Ultimate Set List: Deftones

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I really thought that this feature was a lot of fun so I’m doing it again. This time I present my ultimate set list for Deftones.

Here are the rules:

Rule 1: maximum 25 songs

Rule 2: What line up of the band would it be

Rule 3: Where would you want to see the show

Lineup: Chino, Steph, Abe, Frank, Chi and Sergio

Venue: Satellite (Spaceland)- Los Angeles

Set List:

Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)
Around The Fur
My Own Summer (Shove It)
Lotion
Deathblow
Minerva
Beware
Kim Dracula
Swerve City
Entombed
Tempest
Feiticerira
Digital Bath
RX Queen
Knife Party
Passenger
Change (In The House Of Flies)
Diamond Eyes
You’ve Seen The Butcher
Rocket Skates
Risk
Minus Blindfold
Engine No. 9
Root
Pink Maggit

Quicksand- Slip Turns 21!!!
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The 90’s really had a huge impact on my musical taste. There are so many great bands and albums from that time, that deserve to be acknowledged. Quicksand is one of those bands that really deserve attention. Their sound is now considered by many as the pre-cursor to what “post-hardcore” is. Released in 1993  Slip, their debut studio album, is widely considered to be one of the classic records of that genre. The powerful riffs and rhythms drive the collection of songs. Vocally, Walter Schreifels, has a deep raspy voice that really reverberates throughout the songs evoking raw energy. The guitar riffs between Schreifels and Tom Capone are loud, crunchy yet very clear to hear the notes. Alan Cage plays the drums in a subtle heavy way. His knack for hitting harder when necessary is very noticeable. Sergio Vega’s bass playing is thunderous and compliments the rhythm masterfully. Songs like “Fazer,” “Dine Alone,” “Lie and Wait,” and “Transparent” sum up this great album. Take a listen and revel in it!

Slip:

 

By: Brian Lacy