Deftones / Mnemic

The Refectory, Leeds University on Fri 9th Mar 2007

Mnemic (or "Mainly Neurotic Energy Modifying Instant Creation", or better still Latin for “Memory”) are from Denmark, and the main thing I can say is they have the head-banging technique fully sussed.

They call their sound Fusion Future Metal; a bit over the top you may say but within the entwined depths of trying to categorise metal bands they have a point. Using samplers, synthesisers and keyboards they can conjure up a psychedelic and spacey sound, whilst still destroying your hearing.

Mnemic

It’s hard to believe the Refectory has finally been refurbished. Swish new floors, blue LEDs in the ceiling, changing lights in the pillars, very snazzy. Shame then that the place is soon to be filled with sweaty metal fans ready for a look at the Deftones.

The is a lot of anticipation for the headliners tonight; the place is sold out but there looks to be plenty of room at the back, as everyone is squashed up near the stage. They may have made the refectory look nice, but I would say move the stage to the side of the hall; it’s too long a distance to see if you are stood at the back. That sad it makes it easy to get to the bar.

Deftones

The Deftones have a great lighting set-up, quite the norm these days, but as Chino Moreno stands centre stage on the monitors, all in the shadows, it adds to the dark effect to compliment the music. His eerie vocals seem to envelope you, sounding effects laden even at times when they are not, then searing into screaming fits of anger. The members don’t say much in the way of chit chat, just as well really, the crowd don’t look too bothered about that sort of thing.

The new album ‘Saturday Night Wrist’ (named after a condition gained from falling asleep on and ‘deading’ ones arm, not what you may be thinking) has received mixed reviews. Hardcore fans overall seem to love it, like the good melodies on ‘Hole In The Earth’ and ‘Kimdracula’. The ones I heard tonight had a sprinkling of RATM to them, but obviously not as good as the masters.

Deftones

Saying that the only Deftones songs I knew previous to the show were ‘My Own Summer (Shove It)’, played really early in the set, and ‘Back To School (Mini Maggit)’, aired in the centre of the encore.

To be honest I found the show a little boring, Moreno looked like he’d rather be somewhere else and the other band members could not be arsed to cover for him. Yeah they sounded good, the stage looked flash but the show was not a memorable one for me. It’s fair to say that plenty of the fans loved it judging by the state of them leaving the pit at the end, but if it wasn’t my job I would not be writing home about it.

article by: Danielle Millea

photos by: Danielle Millea

published: 13/03/2007 03:59



FUTURE GIGS


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