It’s been a tough couple of years in the Deftones’ camp.
Myriad problems have dogged the group – from issues with production staff, writer’s block, various creative commitments, arguments, and phantom personal issues. Add onto that an intense touring schedule and you’ve got a volatile blend. Today I’m scheduled to talk to bassist Chi Cheng; the band are currently on their third touring run of the States this year (with the Family Values and Taste of Chaos Tours already behind them), not to mention their show runs through Europe (twice), Japan and South America. All up, the band has topped 160 shows this year. “I’m a little burned out, yeah. We’re all ready for the Christmas break,” says Chi.
The Sacramento, California five-piece also dropped their newest album, Saturday Night Wrist, on Halloween this year, and not without drama. For the record, the band had decided to break with long-time producer Terry Date, in favour of veteran Bob Ezrin (who has worked with everyone from Pink Floyd to Kiss).
”(We did that) Just to take ourselves out of a comfortable position, you know, put ourselves in a bit of a challenging spot. And in some ways it worked and in some ways it didn’t.”
Guitarist Abe Cunningham and Chino Moreno, the band’s vocalist, didn’t get along too well with Ezrin’s way of doing things. “Chino’s really used to making things up as he goes along, and Bob’s used to having people have their homework done before they come into the studio. They got frustrated with each other,” says Cheng.
In the end, the band’s studio time ran out, with their vocalist still no closer to finishing his parts.
“So what he (Chino) did was disappeared with his side band (art-rockers Team Sleep) and refused to communicate with our band, and his one or two month tour turned into a six month tour, and when he came back we were like, well, its not as if were not going to continue as the Deftones, but if you’re not gonna sing, then we’re gonna find someone else. And I think being away gave him a much better appreciation of the band, and the music.” Chi laughs, “And then he still took a million years.”
So, just when did they find session time when they were doing a show on an average of once every two days? “Ah. It was a case of setting up pro tools and a desk in the back lounge of the bus. Some bands can write on the road. Responsible bands can write on the road. Deftones are not a responsible band!”
Gossip and rumours abounded amongst the band’s fanbase during this time. I’m curious to know – Did it ever look like the end? “Only for almost 8 months. It was an unhappy time.” He says wryly.
Saturday Night Wrist itself is yet another musically diverse outing for the act, who turn on their collective sonic heels so much it’s hard to pin them down into one genre – from metal to hardcore, hip-hop, electronica, industrial and ambient styles. How do they keep their sound so fresh?
“I don’t know, we drag our feet, we fight, we threaten to beat each other up.” Although he says it with a laugh, it’s clear this is a band that thrives on a bit of conflict. “We try really hard not to repeat ourselves. And it does take a long time, when you start to become a band that doesn’t want to sound too much like themselves.”
In our wide brown land, brand new festivals are popping up in every park and playground this year, and Deftones are set to grace the bill at the most recent addition, The Soundwave Festival (touring Brisbane, Sydney and Perth), which also boasts international acts Thrice, Flyleaf, Hatebreed, 18 Visions and Something With Numbers, amongst others.
“The festival environment is fun, particularly if you like the bands you’re playing with. I think we’ve toured with everyone on this bill. And it’s great to come into a big environment where the kids are jumping.”
“That and Australia’s a particularly special place, y’know what I mean, it’s a very peaceful place.” Maybe a little less peaceful come Soundwave, eh? Enjoy your holiday, guys. Australia’s ready to give you hell.
