Since their inception, Grammy Award-winning alternative hard rock band Deftones have quietly been pursuing two paths, delivering songs defined by churning, double-fisted aggression while also quietly testing the boundaries of music by incorporating elements of psychedelia and shoegaze. "White Pony", released in 2000, reached Platinum status a month after release. This album earned raves for blending the moodiness of bands like the Cure and Slowdive.
After "White Pony", the band released four studio albums. The group's seventh and latest album, "Koi No Yokan" is their boldest yet. Both ferociously melodic and dizzyingly expansive, the album moves from pensive to pulverizing - often in the space of a single song. For "Koi No Yokan", the group reunited with producer Nick Raskulinecz, who also worked on "Diamond Eyes", and the band set a rigorous daily work schedule. "We kind of adopted this new way of doing things, where we'd have a seven- or eight-hour working day instead of just working on things a piece at a time," drummer Abe Cunningham said.
"It enabled us to be a lot more efficient." Moreno agreed. "In the past, one of us would write something, record it, and then weeks - or even months-- later, someone else would come along and add to it. We had totally lost that communal vibe. This time, all of the songs started with just the five of us together in a room, playing." Those close collaborations led to a more deliberate drive and cohesive final product. "It gave us a real sense of focus," said Cunningham.
Getting an opportunity to make an impact by playing music is a dream for many bands, but getting a second chance, according to Yellowcard front man Ryan Key, is a blessing. Yellowcard are known for the hit single Way Away from the album "Ocean Avenue". In 2011 this pop punk/alternative rock band returned to the spotlight after a three-year hiatus releasing the energised "When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes". The album was a renaissance of sorts for the Jacksonville natives, as its 10 tracks played like the band never spent any time apart. A logical progression from 2007's "Paper Walls", the group managed to capture elements of its entire discography with the album, which was welcomed by patient fans and praised by critics alike.
"When You're Through Thinking, Say Yes" inspired a winding nine months of touring that took the band to over 30 different countries, a world tour that served as a reconnection with old, diehard fans and an instant way to reach new, younger listeners. "The tours we got last year, the bands we got to tour with, were incredible," Ryan Key said. "We wanted to stay current and matter to younger fans, because making new fans is important to us and, at the same time, we didn't want to turn our back on old fans because they're essential to our existence. We couldn't make new fans without our old ones.
"When you are at a Yellowcard show, if you are not a fan, you look at someone who is and think: 'Why am I not a fan of that? Why am I not enjoying this like that person is? I want that.' That's amazing for us."
Early in July, Yellowcard announced that they would be releasing "Ocean Avenue Acoustic" in August 2013 via Hopeless Records. This is to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their classic album. Some of the songs have a whole new life, while others are acoustic renditions of the originals. "We are so excited for you to hear what we've done, it's going to be a big year for all of us and you together. "Ocean Avenue" is a legacy that we are very proud of, so both the album and the tour are things we've put a lot of work into. Thanks for your continued love and support."
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