The Deftones return to their hometown for this weekend's Aftershock Music Festival. I recently spoke with lead singer Chino Moreno about the history of the band since its formation in Sacramento in 1988. I asked Moreno how he feels about playing the older, more aggressive songs the band recorded some 20 years ago.
The band's sound has evolved from the raw aggression of the albums that put them on the map. While Adrenaline and Around the Fur may have captured the minds and ears of frustrated kids, in 2000 White Pony ushered in a more refined sound and with it critical praise. Moreno told me he's always interested in exploring new musical territory with Deftones but likes to let it happen organically.
But, as Moreno went on to explain, the success of White Pony was not a totally stress-free endeavor for the business end of the band or for its record label.
As for his Sacramento roots, Chino says that as a kid he loved his job in the magazine warehouses of Tower Records.
Deftones play the main stage of Aftershock on Sunday. The band is currently prepping the release of its eighth studio record.
