Review – Deftones – Private Music
Artist: Deftones
Album: Private Music
Rating: 9/10
“Private Music,” Deftones’ 10th studio album, arrives as a culmination of the band’s enduring legacy and a testament to their continuous evolution. Released five years after Ohms, the album marks a significant moment for the band, being their first without bassist Sergio Vega and their first to be produced by the acclaimed Nick Raskulinecz since 2012’s “Koi No Yokan“. This reunion with Raskulinecz proves to be a masterstroke, as the album’s sound is both familiar and fresh, drawing upon the atmospheric heaviness of their mid-career work while pushing into new, more focused territory. Private Music is a meticulously crafted, 11-song journey that feels both intimate and expansive, showcasing a band confident in their identity and comfortable with their place in the musical landscape.
The album’s two lead singles, “My Mind Is a Mountain” and “Milk of the Madonna,” serve as perfect appetizers for the sonic feast to come. “My Mind Is a Mountain” is a powerful, sub-three-minute blast of classic Deftones—a furious blend of Stephen Carpenter’s brick-heavy riffs and Chino Moreno’s soaring, ethereal vocals. It’s a track that harkens back to the aggressive energy of “Diamond Eyes” and “Koi No Yokan“, while still sounding undeniably fresh. “Milk of the Madonna,” on the other hand, leans into the band’s more melodic and atmospheric side, with a lush soundscape that feels both dreamy and foreboding. These singles effectively set the stage for an album that skillfully navigates the duality of Deftones’ sound, from crushing heaviness to delicate shoegaze.
One of the most compelling aspects of “Private Music” is its lyrical and thematic depth. Chino Moreno’s poetic, often abstract lyrics meditate on a range of subjects, from the struggle for a positive mindset to the beauty and peril of nature, and even visions of a journey beyond the physical world. This is not an album of straightforward narratives, but rather a collection of moods and feelings, brought to life through Moreno’s unique vocal delivery, which ranges from a hushed whisper to a ferocious scream. The album title itself, “Private Music,” hints at the personal and introspective nature of the songs, inviting the listener to delve into their own interpretations.
The production on “Private Music” is nothing short of stunning. Nick Raskulinecz, a long-time collaborator and friend of the band, has a deep understanding of what makes Deftones’ sound so special. He brings a pristine, modern sheen to the album without sacrificing its raw power. Carpenter’s guitars have never sounded bigger, with a mix of chunky, rhythmic riffs and sparkling, atmospheric textures. Abe Cunningham’s drumming is a force of nature, propelling the songs forward with intricate, powerful beats. The band’s new lineup, with touring bassist Fred Sablan, locks in seamlessly, creating a tight and cohesive rhythmic foundation that allows the other elements to truly shine.
The album’s shorter runtime of just over 42 minutes is a refreshing change of pace, demonstrating a focused approach to songwriting. There are no wasted moments on the album, every song serves a purpose, contributing to a masterfully paced journey. Tracks like “Souvenir” stretch out and breathe, allowing for hypnotic melodies and builds, while others, such as “Locked Club,” are direct and punchy. This variety prevents the album from feeling repetitive, showcasing the band’s versatility and their ability to craft compelling songs in different forms.
In the end, “Private Music” is more than just another Deftones album; it’s a statement of purpose. It’s a record that honors their past while firmly looking to the future. It’s an album that is both a comfort to long-time fans who crave their signature sound and an exciting new chapter for those discovering them for the first time. By blending their heaviest moments with their most ethereal, Deftones have created a lean, powerful, and deeply emotional record that stands as a new benchmark in their already legendary discography. “Private Music” solidifies their status not just as a band who survived the times, but as one who continues to define them.
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