Slowly going Def

>>After almost two decades, Deftones
keep it simple and fun

FISTS AND BULLETS: Deftones

by LATEEF MARTIN

Kickin’ it since ’88, Deftones is one of the few bands with all its original members to survive the rap-rock and nu-metal era without going down the toilet. Blistering metal anchored by funk-influenced drumming, fearless forays into their soft side and their taste for touches of techno and experimentalism have contributed to their longevity. Equally important is the band’s friendship and everyone’s ability to flesh out their individual ideas with side projects. Last year’s Saturday Night Wrist marked a departure from the usual, giving Deftones even more room to breathe. The Mirror caught up with drummer Abe Cunningham.

Mirror: What was the vision for Saturday Night Wrist? It’s different from your previous work.

Abe Cunningham: I don’t think we really put too much thought into it. At this point we wanted to do a record that we hadn’t done before, but it was a long process, it took us three years.

M: What was the story behind the outro of “Pink Cellphone”? Coupled with the title, it seems to comment on the shallowness of a society that would give birth to such babbling nonsense.

AC: The song was already done and [singer] Chino invited [Giant Drag vocalist] Annie Hardy, who was around the studio. It was pretty stupid, if you ask me. It was all her doing, she just went off on this freestyle.

M: You guys have held on for almost 20 years. The musical landscape has changed so much since you started. How do you think you compare?

AC: I mean, you know, we’re pretty simple, we just want to have a good time and play music. I think things are pretty shallow, especially the mainstream stuff these days, and what’s on the radio.

M: Bands get tired of each other over a while—how do you keep it exciting for yourselves?

AC: We’re pretty damn good friends. Sure, there are fists thrown, bullets shot, harsh words between brothers, but we’re family, man, we’ve been through a lot.

M: What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you would like to do with Deftones?

AC: That’s all up to the next record.

With From First to Last at
le Spectrum on Tuesday, July 24, and
Wednesday, July 25, 8 p.m., $32.50