Review: “my mind is a mountain” by Deftones
Deftones have always been synonymous with pushing musical/genre boundaries, blending atmospheric elements with heavy, distorted riffs.
Their latest release, my mind is a mountain, the first single from their upcoming album, private music, is no exception. It's a stunning example of their unique ability to seamlessly marry ferocity and beauty in one track.
The song begins immediately with jaunting, distorted guitar in that specific Deftones style that Stephen Carpenter always equips. Chino Moreno’s signature whiney, yet somehow angelic vocals emerge, initially calm and reflective, but soon transforming into a raw, almost anguished plea.
The lyrics “Negative space in cycles. Destroying our mental. Remains in our conscious. Constant.” stand out to me the most. The lyrics bring upon a sense of personal struggle, using the metaphor of a mountain in the title to represent the emotional and mental challenges one faces when dealing with inner turmoil and negative influences from outside sources. I believe this is especially applicable in today’s world, with negative news circulating everywhere, which can be heavy on the mind.
The production on this track is also worth noting. Nick Raskulinecz is fantastic, and like almost every Deftone’s song, the layering of textures, ranging from the almost ambient backing vocals to the weighty, distorted crescendo, provides a fully immersive listening experience.
The track is not only heavy in the traditional sense, but it’s also emotionally layered. Deftones have always created a space within their music to create a deep connection with their lyrics and melodies, and this newer track is no exception.
The song is short, 2:51 to be exact, which is a common trend in recent music releases. Overall, Deftones has done a seamless job with keeping their own style and musical integrity, while adjusting slightly to the modern music industry and tastes.
