Around the Fur by Deftones | Album Review
Sensual, gritty, and pounding. The band’s sophomore LP explores the dichotomy between allure and internal decay.
In 1997, at the peak of the nu-metal explosion, Deftones emerged with a primal howl on their sophomore album, Around the Fur.
Deftones’ Around the Fur defied the conventions of nu-metal, infusing the genre with a unique blend of shoegaze atmospherics, post-hardcore dissonance, and Chino Moreno’s versatile vocals.
The album, born in the Sacramento sun, transcended the aggression of its counterparts, offering a visceral journey through Moreno’s psyche.
About a year ago (as I was getting into Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Soundgarden and other nihilistic rock acts from the 90s), I remember looking at my Spotify recommendations. Deftones popped up. I skipped them and continued listening to my liked songs, unaware of the gem of a band they are. Some months down the line they came up AGAIN, this time, on my Youtube.
The algorithm, as relentless as it was, couldn’t let me be.
“They really are pushing them down my throat, huh,” says naive me.
Eventually, a friend of mine gave me a bunch of recommendations for bands I should check out. She likes Fleshwater, Loathe and Deftones.
“Never heard of the first two bands,” I said.
(Later on, I found out that some antagonistic hardcore internet nu-metal enthusiasts call Loathe “Budget or Walmart Deftones”. I found that hilarious.)
TL;DR: Third time’s the charm coupled with a recommendation from a friend was the catalyst that exposed me to one of my most listened-to bands of 2023. On Spotify, Deezer, Apple Music, heck, even Last.fm!
Review (Be Quiet and Read)
When the atmosphere is too tense, when a conversation feels SO strongly awkward, or when something’s just not right — oh, right, I KNOW..
IT’S JUST TOO DAMN HOT IN HERE!
That heatwave, that sweat, the pounding, that stickiness.
This feeling, as well as the theme of irritation is the crux of My Own Summer (Shove It), a swelling, stinging opening track from the album. It’s so raw in terms of lyrical expression. Chino Moreno, the singer-songwriter has said himself that this was about the intense summer heat which prevented him from recording multiple times whilst in studio sessions.
This frustration that he felt in those moments essentially paved the way for the track’s existence. It’s one big rock diss song, targeted at the sun, essentially.
There’s a tie-in with the repetition of the word “Cloud” and “Shelter”. Simply put, he wants the cloud to come over and provide some shade from the troll that is the sun. Chino’s clever writing here sets the tone for the catchy, rising ear-piercing chorus that is to come:
There’s more. In the second verse, the persona in the next line thinks there’s an apocalyptic frenzy in the streets, as people begin to disappear. There’s a strong parallel going on in here, as Chino strongly wishes for a moment of isolation.
In the final verse, the theme of the cloud returns and Chino re-emphasizes its value. But his hate for the scorching sun remains ever present.
Scatting, according to Merriam Webster, means:
to improvise nonsense syllables usually to an instrumental accompaniment
It’s not just a jazz thing, it’s in rock as well.
Speaking of jazz…
Korn’s track, Twist, from the album, Life is Peachy, has this littered everywhere. Of course, one could argue these contemporaries helped pioneer the mumble rap era into modernity through their incorporation of hard rock, metal melancholy and bare-boned lyrical coherence.
Lhabia, the second track of ATF is clear-cut evidence Deftones achieved this whilst being relevant about the topic of discussion: drugs, withdrawal and its injurious effects.
The song describes two individuals who are hooked, one who wants to stop consuming the drug, whilst the other keeps falling back into the cycle.
No solace in reality and everything’s boring? Yup.
Without that high and that euphoria, there’s practically no point.
Addiction induced nihilism, basically.
The story behind Mascara treads the lines of regretfulness and a dying relationship. Chino, in an interview, explained this song was about his ex-wife who didn’t support his music. His then partner, at least in his opinion seemed pissed that the “music was taking him away from her”.
Unstable relationships being featured in rock isn’t a new concept, though, dear reader.
Gallows of Rubbing Alcohol Flowing Through Strip, for instance, from Nirvana’s In Utero B-Sides, starts off with front-man Kurt Cobain airing out his thoughts on dull needles, a(n) (potenially) unfaithful partner and then some (surrealistic imagery).
Lyrically, there’s a pinch of pessimism and longing for love here. I don’t think this should be overanalyzed to oblivion — the song is pretty straightforward.
Deftones delve into the dark side of vanity and excess on Around the Fur, using the metaphor of a fur coat to depict the superficial beauty that masks a more profound emptiness.
The lyrics deftly explore themes of disillusionment and the hollowness that accompanies a hedonistic lifestyle.
The chorus, with its urgent plea —
“Speak! I don’t get it, Should I ignore the fashion or go by the book?”
— encapsulates the internal conflict of conforming to societal expectations versus embracing authenticity.
A sense of desperation also emerges, culminating in the accusatory outro, where the speaker confronts a perceived liar and expresses an indifference that resonates with the overarching theme of disillusionment.
As the horrorcore New Orleans rap duo $uicideboy$ once said,
“ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD”
Deftones aren’t afraid to explore dynamic range. Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away) starts as a slow burn, Moreno’s hushed vocals weaving through a hypnotic landscape before exploding into a cathartic chorus. Headup slams headfirst into a wall of distortion, only to give way to a shimmering bridge that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Slowdive record. It’s these unexpected shifts that keep Around the Fur endlessly captivating.
The endless twists and musical unpredictablity, coupled with its sheer youth, angst and explicit nature makes the record even more enjoyable.
Despite its aggression, Around the Fur isn’t just about mosh pits and rage. There’s a raw beauty to the album, a melancholic undercurrent that betrays the band’s nu-metal label.
This emotional depth sets Deftones apart from their contemporaries, giving Around the Fur a staying power that transcends genre or era.
I don’t even think it’s metal.
I’d rather call it hardcore alternative.
Verdict + Score
In a 1998 interview with Chart magazine, Moreno stated,
“We really didn’t have a set idea of what we wanted to come out with when we went in to make this record.”
Having fun with great bandmates ultimately produced their final result — and what they came up with was and is sheer gold. In the halls of rock and roll, it’s up there in my book.
Banger.
Favourite Tracks: My Own Summer (Shove It), Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away), Mascara, Dai the Flu, MX, Lotion, Rickets, Headup, Lhabia
9.2/10.
An alt-heavy rock masterpiece that transcends genre and lingers in the soul.
Afterword + Bonus Commentary
Currently working on JPEGMAFIA’s LP review. His production and internet humor is delicate, so bear with me, y’all!
I’ve been busy with my personal life. School, work, all that jazz. Get it? Jazz?
I think my music taste recently started leaning towards more loudness and abstractive expression, if that makes any sense.
Got any music I should listen to? Let me know in the comments.
