I know well that this album has already been reviewed, so don't comment unnecessarily by telling me "it's already been done" or things like that. I just want to pay tribute to one of my favorite bands by reviewing their most appreciated album by me, which is "Around The Fur".
Deftones were the pioneers of nu-metal alongside bands that mostly ended up in a pretty bad way (see Korn, Incubus, and especially Limp Bizkit)... "Around the Fur" is their second album after the excellent calling card which was "Adrenaline".
The album opens with the marvelous "My own Summer (shove it)". Whispered and then screamed in the pre-chorus by the good Chino Moreno. Among the other noteworthy tracks are "Mascara", the title track, the fantastic "Be Quiet and Drive (far away)". The second half of the album features the furious "Lotion" and "Headup".
Everything wraps up with "Mx", my favorite. Chino sings and a girl’s voice, with a very sexy approach, intervenes during the verses... Truly beautiful. Finally, watch out for the ghost track, which is also remarkable...
This won't be a great review, I admit...
The greatness of the band lies in creating a powerful and pounding sound, yet simultaneously achieving impeccable melodic openings that leave no escape.
It certainly feels strange to see a band like Deftones not achieving success at least on par with groups like Korn, now at their breaking point.
With 'Around The Fur', one of the most beautiful albums in nu-metal, the Deftones succeed in becoming one of the most interesting bands in today’s heavy metal.
Personally, I consider this the band’s best album; perhaps only comparable to their subsequent 'White Pony', where the Deftones engage in new experimentation.