Review by Saxy S for Deftones - Around the Fur (1997)

Deftones were one of the first metal bands that I ever listened to, although in hindsight that probably wasn't a very good choice. For a "nu-metal" record, this is one of the least sounding nu-metal records that came out of that time period. Sure it does have its clear influences in the genre, but this has more in common with late 90s to early 2000s post-hardcore.

And how does it hold up? Well, surprisingly well, even if the Deftones themselves have moved further and further away from the nu-metal influences of their early years in the time since. And there is a reason why; it's because nu-metal hasn't aged very well.

The moments on this album that portray the most anger and frustration are typically its worst elements. "Rickets" and "Headup" highlight this albums least entertaining moments, as the bass is swamped out and replaced exclusively by chugging, rhythmic guitars, to the point where one wonders whether or not this album actually needed a drummer. I also have a problem with Chino as a performer. Whenever he dips into his softer almost whisper like delivery, it almost always seems to be paired with a clipping vocal effect that emphasizes some of his harsher syllables. 

But the first half of this record does make up for some of the second half's faults. "My Own Summer (Shove It)" has a great exchange of ideas and play styles, "Around The Fur" has a pretty sticky guitar melody, and "Be Quiet And Drive (Far Away)" is the most melodic track on the album and one of the standout moments. Chino's cleans are very enjoyable and his screams are usually paired with genuine frustration.

I think that for a nu-metal album, Around the Fur has the potential to be one of the best albums of that descriptor... if the Deftones actually decided to make a nu-metal album. But I still don't think that they did. And going back and listening to it again, I still feel that this record is more of a post-hardcore album with nu-metal tendencies. It's still a good album, but not a great one. Deftones would wait a couple more years to release their magnum opus, but this album helped to get them there.