What is it with everyone going soft??? First Stavesacre with Speakeasy, and Embodyment with The Narrow Scope of Things, and now Deftones with White Pony.
Mind you, this is still an incredibly good album, but it's a personal disappointment to see a band known for its soft-to-heavy transitions and killer hooks switch to a more laid back, reserved tone. There are still two or three songs that harken back to the days of My Own Summer, but that's it.
Their single, "Change In the House of Flies" sets the tone for the most part on the album. Songs like "Iceskates" and "Knife at the Party (Niko)" still sound like the Deftones, guitars and all, but Chino's vocals never come close to screaming. He does, however, let it go on "Elite," one of the standout tracks on the album, alongside "Feiticeira."
The other highpoint is "Passenger," which features Maynard James Keenan of Tool. The dynamics between Chino and Maynard's vocals, and the bass line itself are amazing. It's quite possibly the best Deftones track I've ever heard, one that was put on loop for a good eight times before moving on.
The biggest complaint I have with this album is that, although each riff is unique and definitely new, more than a few of the songs feel old. When I listened to the album, I got the feeling that I was listening to…well…the Deftones. A lot of it feels too familiar to be completely enjoyable, like you've already heard the album, but have just forgotten it temporarily.
Overall, the pros outweigh the cons, and I'd recommend this album to any Deftones album, or to those who have bought Embodyment's new album. It's a little more straightforward, and less metal influenced than The Narrow Scope of Things, but there are strong similarities in certain aspects of the music. Grade: B+
Similar sounding releases
2000SeotaijiSeotaiji VI
2001Dreaming of the Fifth / EvelynnDreaming of the Fifth / Evelynn
2001Like DavidIt Started With Twelve
1999GrypIndecision
1996EverdownStraining
2001East WestThe Light in Guinevere's Garden
