Review by Catherine McCauley for MPM
Its nearing the end of the Summer Holidays and what better way to spend the evening than at an outdoor gig in Dublin – indeed the final one of the IMMA line up of gigs.
Having been to the stunning IMMA grounds slightly over a year to the day, to see Queens of the Stone Age, we had an idea of what to expect. Parking isn’t the easiest to obtain near the venue – maybe that’s just for the non-locals, however, the grounds themselves and the picturesque views are more than worth the trip. We set off mid-afternoon listening to the Deftones catalogue as we chatted excitedly reflecting on who was yet to see the mighty Deftones live and reflecting on the experiences of those of us lucky enough to have seen the lads from Sacramento. Again, it’s a pleasure to have mates bringing their adult kids to these gigs and relishing the second generation keeping the love of Metal and Rock alive.
Deftones had played earlier in the year in the 3Arena, the 16th of February to be exact and I wonder how the visuals and intense highly emotive tones of their songs would transfer to an open-air venue. Walking through the historical cobbled streets of Dublin, we observe lots of revellers walking towards the IMMA area and it quickly becomes apparent that aside from the enthusiastic Deftones fans there are many Amyl and the Sniffers fans headed towards the Collins Barracks. Its heartwarming to see the swarm of fans intermingle as we walk in similar directions before we break off to cross the River Liffey to make our way to the IMMA grounds. Unfortunately, due to road works and diversions whilst travelling down from the North and then encountering heavy business traffic as we enter Dublin, we miss the opening acts Ecca Vandel and Idles.
We scope out the grounds seeing various eateries, bars and the Merch Stand, which seems to be a popular spot given the amount of Deftones t-shirts adorned throughout tonight’s gathering. As the crew finish their final tasks and the stage is ready for the imminent arrival of the Californian band, the ominous air of ‘Impending Chaos’ (Stanley Clark – Boys n the Hood Soundtrack) rings from the stage flooding the grounds. When we hear the shrill sax fill the air, we know it can only mean one thing. The screens illuminate in a bright green hue as the distinctive guitar intro of ‘Be Quiet and Drive’ (Far Away) kicks in and the atmosphere and tempo ramp up to 11, as the energetic front man comes bounding down the steps to the front of the stage to join his bandmates and be welcomed by the adoring Dublin fans.
From Private Music ‘My Mind is a Mountain’, brings a wall of sound from the guitarists on stage – the thundering bass reverberates and we can feel it under our feet on the grassy terrain. Chino skilfully alternates between singing and screeching whilst enchanting the adoring audience. It’s hard to believe that the years anniversary of Private Music was just this week. Having been at the 3Arena gig this year it is a pleasure hearing the songs from their newest release played again live in an outdoor setting. Lance’s instantly recognisable guitar riff announces the heavy ‘Feiticeira’ from White Pony and the atmosphere in the pit is intense. Chino bounds about the stage, an endless ball of melancholic energy during ‘Korea’ the front standing turns into an endless pit of jumping and moshing. The band’s sound is impeccable and carries well throughout the sloped layout of the venue.
It’s a majestic and sensory experience hearing the music float through the air whilst taking in the beautiful Dublin skyline, whilst planes fly overhead illuminated by the mesmerising visuals. This evening feels magical and special for all in attendance. Interspersed between the enigmatic and eye-catching visuals on the three screens are glimpses of Abe Cunningham (Drums), Frank Delgado (keyboards, turntables, samplers), Fred Sablan (touring Bass Player) and Lance Jackman (guitars). The lads are swept up in the electric atmosphere and it’s a fitting testimonial to how skilled and tight their musicianship is. The Sacramento bands calibre is greatly underestimated within certain fans of metal genres imo. Although, Chino does not engage nor chat much in between songs it’s clear that Deftones let the music do the talking. Their breadth of catalogue allows for such a varied mix of heavy riff-tastic tunes balanced out with more lingering slower tempo tracks.
It is a real treat hearing different songs in tonight’s setlist compared to the 3Arena gig tracks, such a ‘Mascara’, ‘Around the Fur’ and ‘Xerces’. ‘Rosemary’ is a stand out track not only for myself but also the other attendees judging by the scale of phones in the air recording the moment and by the deafening chanting of the lyrics by the Dublin fans. ‘Infinite Source’ creates a huge sing along with the crowd bouncing and relishing every note. Chino prompts the house lights to be switched on so he can see the crowd, the humble singer is overawed by the Dublin audience. For us the fans, its heartwarming to see the gathering of devoted enthusiasts integrated from all walks of life, sing their hearts out throughout the gig, word for word caught up in the sentimentality of the moment. Chino dons his guitar once again for the yearningly beautiful ‘Sextape’. The graphics irradiate the open-air venue with the now darkened sky and provide a perfect passion filled back drop.
‘My Own Summer’ (Shove It) explodes visually and auditorily onto the setlist and Dublin brings it with our Screams of ‘Shove It’!!. ‘milk of the madonna’ keeps the temperature and pulses raised with high-octane tempo and heavy beats. There is a brief Encore which signifies the approaching final segment of tonight’s setlist. ‘Change’ (In the house of the Flies) fits in perfectly with the ambience of the darkness with the striking red hue and dramatic searing sunrise accompanied by Chino playing guitar between Abe’s kit and Frank’s turntable. The crowd harmonising with Chino prompting us to “sing it” during the verses and chorus was breathtaking. The feeling of unity in these moments is exquisite, couples embrace and friends sway with arms around each other’s shoulders.
‘Lotion’ brings the return of the heaviness and reignites the fire in the pit. The IMMA grounds erupt with the arrival of ‘7 words’, the Deftones exhibit colossal force as Chino springs and bounces around the stage adding to the frenzy in the front standing area pit. This final track brings an end to what has been a monumental repertoire. Tonight’s set has been seamless, there was never a minute where folk seemed distracted or aimless. Everyone is captured by the sheer raw live nature of Deftones and enjoyed the nostalgia of hearing those classic tunes alongside the newer tracks. As we follow the trail of fellow fans, the wake of the Deftones is evident on the sweaty and contented faces. Oh and it even rained for a bit which I nearly forgot to mention, as it did not deter from what was a magnificent evening.
Photography by Clemente Ruiz (@clemente_310)
