The wordplay is truly top notch, and it's more than accurate in describing the band's rock fusion blend. Rather, it's that the Deftones aren't one of those bands that make a ton of noise beyond the stage or their sturdy discography. They've instead spent the last 30-ish years releasing great, hugely textured albums — 2000's "White Pony" remains a proper masterpiece — and gigging the world over. Their more recent records, like 2020's "Ohms," see the band further exploring the crevices of rock and metal with a perpetually sharp ear. Whereas some bands have to employ gimmicks and PR campaigns to stay relevant, Deftones have done so with the sheer force of their art.
But if you need proof of Deftones' true power, you need only see them live. The band's March 9 concert at PHX Arena began with a mighty stage jump from frontman Chino Moreno, setting the tone for a loud and immersive show to follow. Fans responded in kind with heavy duty moshing, with the pit practically generating its own energy source through sheer human excitement. We even spoke with one fan who first saw the Deftones at the ripe old age of 10, completing a full circle moment that speaks to Deftones' prowess and cultural relevance.
However, a really great headliner is only as good as their opening act, and The Mars Volta were the perfect compliment to Deftones. Admittedly, they've already unleashed a few big surprises during this tour, including performing an unreleased new album during the February 25 tour kickoff in Portland. But in Phoenix, shrouded in near total darkness, the band started off slowly and methodically to lure in fans. By the time they'd reached their peak toward the set's end, The Mars Volta had built a genuinely profound sonic experience marked by passion, ample noise and sharp emotions.
Deftones are, in some major ways, a proper workhorse of modern rock. They're always ready to play arenas and festivals alike; everyone knows exactly what to expect even as they remain ever lithe and inventive; and they can blend nostalgia with a sense of newness to align their massively dedicated and diverse audience. The Phoenix show best demonstrated that what's ultimately "def" is the band's maddening skills and undeniable stage presence.
"Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)"
"My Own Summer (Shove It)"
"Diamond Eyes"
"Tempest"
"Swerve City"
"Feiticeira"
"Digital Bath"
"Prayers/Triangles"
"You've Seen the Butcher"
"Rocket Skates"
"Sextape"
"Around the Fur"
"Headup"
"Rosemary"
"Hole in the Earth"
Encore:
"Minerva"
"Bored"
"7 Words"
