Disco de Deftones: “Saturday Night Wrist [PA]”

I consider myself a fairly well-rounded musician: I'm equally happy studying an Antonio Carlos Jobim chart as a Stravinsky ballet or a Dillinger Escape Plan song. And over the last 10 years, Deftones have somehow kept me hooked. I was drawn in by the raw emotion of "Adrenaline," then the too-slick-for-its-own-good sound of "Around the Fur." Then "White Pony" caught me blindsided with an album filled to the brim with mysterious, beautiful and catchy songs. But then there was the self-titled album, which just felt sort of aimless, and never really gripped me. To be honest, I thought I was too old to rock, and didn't even know if I would purchase "Saturday Night Wrist."

But what a great purchase it was! This album shows a Deftones that has matured both as people and as musicians. The thing that made them so unique--dark, heavy riffs and intricate, stylish drumming underneath hauntingly beautiful melodies--is really brought to light on the album. Clear examples of this unique style are: "Hole in the Earth," "Beware," "Cherry Waves," "Xerces," and "Riviere."

But even the heavy songs like "Combat" and "Kimdracula" hit their marks well, not to mention the brilliant "Rats, Rats, Rats." The surprise of the album is definitely "Pink Cellphone," which, at certain points, sounds like it fell off a Peter Gabriel album. (And the ending IS funny, but like all jokes, the humor wears off after you hear it a few times. Eventually, you skip that part of the tune, and wish they'd just cut it out to begin with). In my opinion, the only real uninspired track is "Mein," which--to me--just sounds like one of those songs that 'isn't quite there' so you throw as many tricks at it as you can, and in the end, still just isn't all that good of a song.

Every Deftones album takes a few listens all the way through to really be appreciated. This one is no exception. After a while, you start noticing Abe Cunningham's flashy ghost notes tossed in all over the place, where before all you heard was heavy banging. You start noticing that Stephen Carpenter is playing far less power chords, and more counter-melody. You start noticing that Frank Delgado is a great addition, and some of those keyboard and ambient parts really bring the songs together. And finally, you notice that you're singing along with Chino, and you think, "Man, these are some strange melodies." I don't know if he knows he's doing it, but Chino has a real gift for coming up with melodies with all sorts of awkward intervals, and unpredictable chord tones (major 7ths and 9ths abound, among others).

My only complaint about the album is the same complaint I have for all new rock albums: it's mixed too loud, and some parts distort (that aren't intended to). It's a shame they dropped Terry Date for this album, but if it got them out of the slump of the self-titled album, it was completely worth it! Bless those Deftones. There really is nothing else like them!

Although I'm still a fairly new fan of the Deftones, having only purchased their fantastic album "White Pony" a couple of months before this album's release, I still greatly anticipated it. And, whether you're new to the band, or a die hard fan that anxiously waited three years for this, "Saturday Night Wrist" is definitely more than worth the purchase.

I must admit, this album took a few spins to really sink in for me (as opposed to "White Pony", which I loved from the first listen), but it was worth the effort, because this is great stuff. While not quite as eclectic as "White Pony", there's still plenty of diversity here. You've got psychotic heavy tracks like "Rapture" and "Rats! Rats! Rats!" (best title ever), dreamy epic tracks like "Beware" and "Cherry Waves", and melodic hard rock like "Mein" (featuring Serj Terkian from System of a Down), "Kimdracula", and "Hole in the Earth". "Pink Cellphone" is mostly straight-up electronic, bringing a bit more of the Team Sleep influence to the table. This song also features spoken-word vocals from Annie Hardy, from the band Giant Drag, and if you're familiar with this band, you probably know what a naughty little girl she is, and thus her contributions here won't surprise you.

More eclecticism comes with the slightly jazzy "Xerces", and an ambient instrumental track, whose name is a big long video game code that I can't remember offhand. Nice peaceful track, though. The album ends nicely with "Riviere", which starts off soft and elegant, and subtly builds up toward the end.

Overall, this is a really solid and well-accomplished release. While I think I still prefer "White Pony" on the whole, I still think this album is a definite progression in sound, especially Chino's vocals, which are more polished and dynamic than ever. Musically they're staying fresh and trying new things, while retaining their signature style. Yep, these guys are clearly far from out of ideas. If you're even remotely interested in the Deftones, definitely pick this up. Hell, even if you don't like them, give it a try anyway, because you never know...

It's been a long time since we last heard from the Deftones. Too long, as a matter of fact. After dropping 2003's less-than-amazing self-titled album, the band pretty much dropped off the face of the Earth. Despite the fact that not even a year after that album came out, it was announced that they were recording a new album, trouble still seemed to be brewing in the Deftones camp. In fact, the way they would tell it in their own words, in interviews and such, they nearly broke up. But, together with production from legendary producer Bob Ezrin (who they ditched half-way through) and Shaun Lopez (guitarist and vocalist for Revolution Smile/ex-Far) the Deftones overcame adversity and have overshadowed just about anything you have heard all year. Yes, "Saturday Night Wrist" is indeed an instant classic.

Sounds Like: The Deftones have returned and are back on the right track.

The Good:

- Stephen Carpenter's hypnotizing riffs, Chino's crazy vocals, it's all there!

- Plenty of diversity. Some of their most experimental and edgy material sits well amongst the darkest and heaviest. Much like "White Pony."

- It sounds nothing like any other Deftones album, but still sounds like the Deftones. Go figure.

The Bad:

- It probably didn't need to be delayed as much as it was.

Hits: "Hole In The Earth," "Rapture," "Cherry Waves" and "Combat" are about the most conventional the album gets. "Mein" is the closest to punk the Deftones have come, with a guest spot by Serj Tankian. "Beware" remains my favorite of the album, with plenty of ambience and slowbuilding tension. Oh, and let us not forget "Rats!Rats!Rats!" -- the most evil Deftones song to date.

Misses: "Pink Cellphone" may throw a few people off. I like it, especially the over-the-top ending, but it might have fit in better at the end of the album.

Future: Face it, the Deftones will never be a household name, just because they are too quirky and don't write hit singles. But I think "Saturday Night Wrist" will become a fan favorite in time.

Personally: I am in love with this album. It evokes the same feelings I got when I first heard "White Pony" over six years ago. This is the Deftones back in action, doing what they do best. I'm sure no one could have imagined where they would be in 2006, but here they are, going stronger than ever before. Hopefully they can continue getting along and keep the excellent music coming. No one does it like the Deftones.

Best Listened To When: Ever. This album is the perfect Deftones album.

After yet another long three year wait, the Deftones have finally unleashed their newest offering "Saturday Night Wrist" on the public. As can be expected (as has been evidenced by every single release they have put out so far) the Deftones have grown leaps and bounds over their time off, and have put together a completely fresh and different sounding record. The best advice I can give you is to not go into this album expecting a sequel to any previous cd. Just like Chino said, "We've already made those records once, We don't want to make them again." So true my friend, so true.

So how does everyone initially act when a Deftones cd is released? "Is it Heavy?" "Does it sounds like "White Pony" or "Around The Fur"?" "Is it good?" Aren't these always the same questions you get? Well I'll do my best to answer them. This record overall, really isn't that heavy. Sure it has it's moments, most particularly "Rapture" and "rats!rats!rats!", but even the heavier moments are a bit tame compared to how heavy the band had been in the past. And yet this sounds nothing like what the band has done in the past (meaning no White Pony/Around The Fur Pt.2). So that means the album is bad, right? On the contrary, "Saturday Night Wrist" is anything but bad.

The Deftones always make it a point to challenge their listeners with their music. "Saturday Night Wrist" is no different. This is an album you can just put on, kick back and feel yourself drifting away to. Just like all their previous records, this one also offers a little bit of everything, something which is always appealing about the band. "Hole in The Earth", "Kimdracula" and "Mein" are all mid tempo rock pieces which sound like they are destined to be hit singles. These help give way to more diverse tracks like "Pink Cellphone" (this album's answer to "Lucky You" and "U,U,D,D,L,R,L,R,A,B,Select,Start" (named after the infamous Konami Code.) Then there is of course the previously mentioned heavier tracks. Having such diversity on the record is what really makes each listen to "Saturday Night Wrist" worthwhile. I can still listen to records like "White Pony" from front to back, and feel like I get the most out of it. "Saturday Night Wrist" will undoubtably leave the same impression on you.

As far as musicality goes, The Deftones are always on top of the game. Stephen (and Chino's) guitar playing is always magnificent. While his crushing riffs may not be as present as before, he hasn't been this adept at creating atmospheres since "White Pony." "Cherry Waves", "Xerces" and "U,U,D,D,L,R,L,R,A,B,Select,Start" all play off the lush string arrangements he has written. He can still handle himself on the faster songs though, so don't worry. Abe and Chi might be the most impressive (and yet underrated) rhythm section in this type of music, and as always they never miss a beat. Especially on the above mentioned tracks, they add layers upon layers to the songs, which make them song more like gigantic masses, rather than just "songs." Frank's soft keyboards and electronics are sparcely scattered throughout the disc, but when they are fully embraced ("Pink Cellphones") they can make or break a song. And with Chino as the front man (and the glue which holds everything together) the band's sound is complete. Whether he's whispering out of breathe or struggling to scream above the music, his diverse performances (and ingenious lyrics) are always one of the highlights of every Deftones album. "Saturday Night Wrist" is no different.

It took me a few spins to really let the album sink in. Then again this is always the case with any record the Deftones put out. Take my word for it and give "Saturday Night Wrist" at least a few opportunities to "wow" you. It's going to take more than one. If you can appreciate how this band is always trying to do something new and innovative, this should be a record you have no problem enjoying. If you don't or are unwilling to make that effort, then I must ask what are you doing listening to these guys to begin with? Not a clone of any previous record, "Saturday Night Wrist" is once again a launching point for the band to go off into even further uncharted territory. Where exactly that territory is has yet to be seen, but rest assured, it's going to be good.

I can't describe my affection's for the Deftones in one little review. Let's just say that they make up a big part of my life.

When they released their Self Titled album in 2003, fans found it a step back in regards to the sonic master piece of White Pony.

I remember jamming that cd everyday for a month during my senior year of high school. It was dark, bleak, and very moody which is exactly how I felt during that time.

Skip forward four years and we thankfully have Saturday Night Wrist.

For those who became fans during White Pony, they will once again find connection to this album. The band took their ideas and embraced them further, offering more food on our plates and leaving us very satisfied. The music as a whole, flourishes in many genre's such as: shoegaze, post-rock, math rock, metal, and techno/electric/trance forms.

Chino, Abe, Stef, Frank, and Chi have stepped up in their craft and really show the progression from their Adrenaline days of scruffy playing, to musical protagonists of future sounds not really heard of before.

I have noticed many bands delving into the atmospheric landscapes of sound. Bands like Keane, Silversun Pickups, Autolux, and the new Thursday, AFI, and even Underoath.

It's all a tribute to the noise bands of the early 90's like Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, and Slowdive. And in regards to that, the Deftones have been doing it since their debut.

What can i say? Deftones are too complex for many, and yet the only thing for some. It's hard being a fan, but the pay off is grand.

Here is a song-by-song review:

Hole In The Earth 10/10 - The opening track and a good one at that. This isn't a throwaway like Back To School, but instead a complex verse in commentary on the band itself. Chino's lyrics have gotten better, and the nakedness comes out in this track that details the almost breakup of the band.

Rapture 10/10 - Crunchy and hard is the best description. Those worried about softness look elseware. First we get a distant drum beat then immediately hear the screech of Chino's voice that jumps all over the place. A huge mess that's fun to get involved with.

Beware 10/10 - This was the first song I heard from this album. It was a live bootleg from the 2006 Tase Of Chaos Tour. It made me melt into my computer chair. The song itself plays gigantically. The voice overdubs are timed in good places, and the last riffs remind me of Meshugga to a point. Good work Stef!

Cherry Waves 10/10 - I love the title, and the song is amazing. Probably my favorite overall! We first get this droning keyboard sound that engulphs Chino's voice to where they almost become one entity. The Morrisey influence is present in some words that get repeated one-by-one, and to great effect. This is the Digital Bath of SNW.

Mein 9/10 - Fast paced and catchy. Good chorus from guest star Serg Tanakian of SOAD fame. He actually adds to the song greatly and is a welcome addition. No, he doesn't sing crazy in scat vocals like his bands albums. His voice instead adds a low tone that is much needed. Good stuff.

U,U,D,D,L,R,L,R,A,B,Select, Start 8/10 - The title of this song is no joke. It's the classic Konami code that everybody who plays videogames knows. Now, some other reviews out there suggest that this instrumental track is filler. They are quite wrong. This post-rock interlude is a showcase of the Deftones progression in terms of their musical identity. In the veins of such bands as Pelican, Isis, Absu, Neurosis, Cult Of Luna, Explosions In The Sky, and Godspeed! You Black Emporer, the Deftones wrap their flavors in this wall of sound that's great to chill out to. You are welcome Stoners!

Xerces 8/10 - Drive alone on a saturday night and jam this song. Watch the lights blur past and keep the cold air on low. Feel the flow and get the vibes. Awesome...

Rats!Rats!Rats! 9/10 - The hardest and heaviest song on the album. Chino screams the lyrics with a ferocious pace, and then slows down to swoon the chorus. This song reminded me of Lhabia off the 2nd LP Around The Fur. It's still amazing how the Deftones go from heavy to soft in one song and get away with it. The final screams are some of Chino's hardest to date. Think Hexagram off Self Titled, but 10x more.

Pink Cellphone 4/10 - This is the least favorite track. Very different, and yet interesting. The rambling's lead into some confusing and vulgar stuff towards the end that make you scratch your head. Still though, check it out anyway. Think of Fiter Happier off of Ok Computer and you get the point.

Combat 8/10 - Slow intro then great flow throughout. The vocals are the main force behind the song, which is great for this particular piece.

Kimdracula 9/10 - Vocal distortions aplenty for this one. We have distant then close up stylings from Chino that show much dynamic to the production of this album.

Riviere 10/10 - Excellent, haunting, and best closing song by the band EVER. Almost like Fist from the Adrenaline album, Chino gives us a sneekup in terms of sleeper hit. I claim this the second best and one that will be pleasing on the ears of those who are coming down from the trip.

Overall: A-

***(note: this is the clean version. buy the original version.)***