After much time and heartache, beloved Sacramento psych-metal outfit Deftones have released some new music. In late 2008, Deftones were poised to unleash a new album, Eros, when founding bassist Chi Cheng was involved horrific car accident that left him in a coma. The band retreated within itself, shelved Eros, and kept pretty quiet, with occasional update through oneloveforchi.com. Cheng remains in a semi-conscious state, but the Deftones have soldiered on with the assistance of Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega, and recorded a full new album to be released in May titled Diamond Eyes. The first single, "Rocket Skates," has been made available for free though gunsrazorsknives.com It is typical Deftones--heavy, winding bass and downtuned guitars, weird shifts in rhythm and lead singer Chino Moreno alternating between spacey singing and his almost inhuman screaming. The best part of this is that the singles are rarely the strongest songs on Deftone's albums, so this only adds to the anticipation of their new full length record.
On the sad side, Philadelphia must say goodbye to DIY, all ages and completely illegal performance space Terrordome. Located in the basement of a West Philly house, Terrordome put on 60 mostly local shows since its inception in July of last year. It is sad to see performance art spaces like these be forced out, but it is hardly a surprise. As they gain more notoriety, and eventually publicity, the neighborhood quickly tires of house parties that include three or four live (and loud) bands that draw larger and larger crowds. Let's face it, there are few concerns about alcohol consumption, capacity limits and corralling the overflow the since it is not a bar, and following the shows 100 drunk punks, metalheads and artsy types are unleashed into the streets in a residential part of the city, their hearing and sensibilities damaged. That being said, basement shows are pretty much a necessity for up and coming bands that cannot afford to play legitimate venues because they do not yet draw the size crowd needed to book a show. The Terrordome crew did do the best that they could, ending shows at a reasonable hour (10 PM) and doing their best to stay underground by not publicly announcing their addy. But as so many good things are, successful basement spots are usually short lived and we just have to appreciate them for all the good things they did do.
For more info on the Deftones and to cop their new single visit their websites. Also, Chi Cheng's family continues to need money for his on going medical treatments. Like most musicians, he is uninsured and anything you can do to support his family is greatly appreciated.
Deftones
Guns Razors Knives
One Love for Chi
To support all ages music venues, you can visit the All Ages Movement Project (a winner in the Pepsi Co. Refresh Everything program). You can either donate money or contact them if you are interested in finding out how to start/help DIY, all ages performance spaces. Also, help musicians get insured. Most artists are self employed and make a meager living and cannot keep up with the rising costs of medical coverage. There are several organizations out there to help.
All Ages Movement Project
Rock for Health
Future of Music Coalition
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