Deftones & Glassjaw

Monday night was a big one for local Sacramento boys, Deftones. Not only was it the final stop on their most successful national tour to date, they were paid tribute by the city they call home. About an hour into their set, the show was stopped just long enough for an assistant of Sacramento Mayor Jimmie Yee to present the boys in Deftones with a plaque and the key to the city. They were commended for their outstanding talent and for furthering the arts in the community. During this short ceremony, one could feel the pride and support welling up in the hometown audience, which included many of the band’s own family members. This excitement crescendoed into an enormous outburst when Deftones vocalist Chino Moreno pronounced, "All right, enough of that, lets play some more music."

The hour-and-a-half that Deftones were on stage was nothing less than magnificent. The crowd was left wanting for nothing; the songs were as awe-inspiring and powerful as the first time they were heard, and were executed with the grace and emotion that they deserve. Playing a mix of both new and old material, Deftones belted out song after song with enough energy to hype an audience twice the size of the one that they were entertaining.

Those in attendance were true fans. After receiving an impressive warm up from opening act Glassjaw, who had a fueled-up Faith No More vibe going on, the hometown heroes were ready to rock. Tunes from earlier releases Around the Fur, and Adrenaline drew an equally enthusiastic response as songs from the most recent album, White Pony. Known for their heavy, gain-laden guitar licks and, at times, blood-curdling screams, Deftones performed effortlessly the slower and sweeter parts more prominent on the new album. The ability to be that diverse live while maintaining such an elevated level of performance is a true testament to the band’s talent and versatility. The performance was indeed a class act, from the way the overzealous crowd was at times calmed, to the dignity shown while receiving their honor from the city, Deftones pulled the evening off flawlessly.

It was nice to a less mainstream act receive the public praise that Deftones enjoyed. Although the gesture may have been a hollow attempt on the part of the mayor’s office to reel in young voters, at least it recognized that the youth have an important voice, and that we are a force to be reckoned with.

- Bryce Barnhart
- photos by D.C. Ramirez

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