2006-12-25
"Bipolar Disorder - a major affective disorder in which an individual alternates between states of deep depression and extreme elation"
From the very beginning Deftones showed signs of abnormality, even back in the days of "Adrenaline" (1995) they were no ordinary band. Sure, on the surface it seemed like a standard nu/alternative metal band, but on further views and with time their unique sound and innovativeness shined.
Throughout the years and from album to album Chino Moreno and the rest of the gang not only gained pounds but also became more experimental & sophisticated, and though some may claim "White Pony" as this band's peak, "Saturday Night Wrist" simply overthrowns it.
Chino Moreno's vocal output is as diverse as in past albums, moving from clean weeps to tormented full-throat-out shouts to soft whispers like out of a haze, and he's not afraid to break the words down to the syllables – one can only describe his display as emotional, in the full sense of the word. This is one of the things which make them unique, and for some reason it fits perfectly with their edgy mix of simplistic riffs, heavy bass lines, 80's-like electronic effects and enigmatic lyrics.
Though the chorus and overall vibe in "Hole In The Earth" (opener, and first single) may cause some to mistakenly call the band "The Deftones" it (and the rest of this eclectic album) still has that trademark Deftones-sound; including the abstract distorted riffing, potent drumwork and somnambulant effects. "Rapture" and "Rats!Rats!Rats!" show the extraverted, furious, heavier side of Deftones – with Moreno screaming his throat out as if in a tantrum – while "Cherry Waves" and "Xerces" display the mellower melodic side, highlighting that bipolarity.
The bipolar nature of this album continues to manifest in the heavy drones who contrast with the keyboards and Moreno's high-pitched whining on "Beware", and on the underwater movement speed in "Cherry Waves" that comes in contrast with its energetic parts; it is bound to be single material, so expect to see Deftones underwater (since they've already been on an ocean's icy surface, in a desert, at school, at a flat, at an abandoned house and in outer space). Other mentionable tracks are "Mein", with its
Smashing Pumpkins closeness and the guest appearance of
SOAD's Serj Tankian, and both the post-rockish "U,U,D,D,L,R,L,R,A,B,SELECT,START" (misspelled Nintendo code, in case you're wondering) and the trip-hop-like "Pink Cellphone" which are closer to Moreno's side project
Team Sleep and thus add another flavor here.
Although the soundscape is similar to past Deftones (and related) albums there is still a sense of innovation; this version of Deftones is as extraverted as an outy bellybutton (you don't get to see those very often), and it makes no difference whether it's due to the trendy indie/experimental impression "Saturday Night Wrist" leaves with its layout or do to the actual songs which are multi-layered and complex, but yet are so simple, lucid, and thus sophisticated.
2006 provided many great albums and "Saturday Night Wrist" is well-nailed among them. Listeners will be divided to those who'll immediately get addicted to it and those who'll take some time getting used to it. Either way, it is highly addictive sure continues the dynasty.
Ofer Vayner
