Whether it matters to you or not, Deftones are back. In a current state of drama over bassist Chi Cheng's coma, Deftones still have the tendency to make an album that is heavy and memorable without the restrictions of a major label mentality. Now their latest effort Diamond Eyes may not measure up to White Pony or the self-titled, but it is a definite throwback to the 90s. This is probably the best route they could have taken because it satisfies both ends of their fanbase: those that have been listening since Adrenaline and those that are in search of something legitimately heavy in the mainstream.
The opener "Diamond Eyes" may not justify this sentiment due to its dumbed-down song structure; jutting back and forth between two dynamics of simplicity and depth. "Royal" and "CMND/CTRL" are where justification of the album's enticing nature begin to develop. Chino Moreno has a different vocal style on these songs; a juxtaposition between screams heard on "Elite" and "Street Carp". As all Deftones albums do, a soft song or two are placed in the middle of the album to make it seem like less of an endurance test. These would be "Beauty School" and "Sextape" which aren't exactly memorable because the melodies meander a tad, however they don't make the album any worse.
"Prince" tries to mimic their old sound by combining haunting melodies with thick and bassy distortion. Although it may not hold up to what we remember, the chugga-riffs are always a treat to listen to and it still remains an entertaining track. Then we stumble upon "Rocket Skates", the main single of the album of which I have to say is the best track. It successfully brings a nostalgic aura that has qualities reminiscent of bands like Shudder To Think--or maybe even Floor. The "Guns, razors, knives! Fuck with me!" chorus has such an impact on the listener (though by "the listener" it could just apply to myself solely) that it could cause a bar fight here, and I'm not even in a bar! It does the same as "Diamond Eyes" and switches back and forth between two dynamics, however these dynamics are significantly more memorable.
Towards the end, "Risk" makes the strong statement that a combination of ethereal vocal melodies and barbaric low-end riffs are really all you need to make a great song. "976-EVIL" is--wait, wait. Let me read that again: 976-EVIL. Ha! All lame song titles aside, this song especially has a 90s flavor to it due to its major-chord composition. The album then closes with "This Place Is Death"; it's filler, essentially. A similar meandering melody as the opener, but a little less memorable.
Diamond Eyes may not be the most enjoyable album these days, considering the sound could be considered "dated", however Deftones' music is meant to remain situated in the 90s. For me, it doesn't conjure that much nostalgia, nor does it bring much new to the table. However, I give Deftones credit because they have continued to create above-average music even though they've incorporated all of the diversity they could muster. It may not embody the same intensity of songs like "Hexagram" or the melodic complexity of "Be Quiet And Drive" but it's a nice addition to their discography. Unlike bands that try to resurge a type of music that once was, Deftones can't be penalized for their sound because they have, as the saying goes "been there, done that."
[Deftones Myspace]
[Buy Diamond Eyes from Warner Brothers]
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