DEFTONES

PLUS: Coheed and Cambria
Academy, Leeds
13/11/2010

Words: Matt Benatan Photos: David Spickett

(Photos taken at Apollo, Manchester 14/11/10)

Surrounded by the festivities of the nearby German market, the O2 Academy in Leeds opened its doors at 6pm. People trickled in. Perhaps it was the unusually premature opening time, perhaps it was down to the allure of the Christmas market – but either way, the venue was strangely bare as Coheed and Cambria took to the stage. Having never seen the band live before, my immediate reaction was surprise at vocalist and frontman Claudio Sanchez’s enormous hair, which dominated his visage (and a good proportion of the stage) for much of their set. Image aside, the band led the crowd on a melodious journey through elements of punk, metal and classic rock, bound together with a hefty dose of prog musicianship. Their tracks, although certainly well written, tended to slur into a singular soundscape, with the occasional riff or vocal hook creeping in to rouse the crowd every so often. In fact, it wasn’t until the very end of their set that they managed to achieve more than sparse crowd involvement, with their track Welcome Home – popularly referred to as ‘that Coheed song’. Throughout the final track people continued to wander in, and slowly but surely the floor was filled; though no one seemed sorry to see the support band wrap up their set.

Finally full, the venue was abounding with fans eager to get their fix of illustrious California rockers, Deftones. From the moment the band stepped onto the stage the crowd became enveloped in a mass hysteria. The previously sparse floor was now ablaze with energy as the band ripped through Rocket Skates, Around the Fur and My Own Summer; an opening that drove the frenzied fan-base into a perpetually growing fervour that proceeded to dominate the entirety of the show. The band played an extensive set, 23 songs in all, that incorporated an enticing mix of tracks. These spanned from some of their most brutal compositions, such as Elite and Lotion, to a more melodic aesthetic showcased through the likes of Minerva and Sextape. The performers themselves kept up a riotous vivacity throughout the set, never dropping an opportunity for crowd connection. Between tracks, Chino Moreno took a moment to thank Coheed and Cambria for supporting, as well as to indulge in a few words with the crowd. This afforded fans an opportunity to witness the human side of the band, which included nonsensical discussions about ‘Apple Valley’ and Stephen Carpenter’s florescent yellow guitar. After this brief reprieve, the band continued into the final leg of their set as they blinded the crowd with a resplendent light show through Passenger, and finally concluded with 7 Words, a finale that engorged the crowd with adrenaline and an insatiable hunger for more.

Unfortunately for the fans, this was it. The venue lighting illuminated the dance floor, and the crowd made their way out after witnessing what was arguably one of the most iconic performances to take place at the venue (as attested to by the venue staff themselves!). For me, this was a truly enjoyable experience, and a demonstration that Deftones, after 22 years, are still a band at the forefront of their genre. I for one am anxiously awaiting their return to the UK.