The meaning of Mx by Deftones

From the searing intensity of their music to the oblique yet compellingly evocative lyricism, alt-metal pioneers Deftones have always managed to carve heartrending narratives within the most chaotic soundscapes. Their track 'MX', from their seminal 1997 album Around the Fur, illuminates this complex interplay of emotion and aggression with admirable finesse.

'MX' begins with a low, rumbling bassline, setting a foreboding tone and creating an aura of simmering tension and uncertainty. This masterfully orchestrated tension is a hallmark of Deftones’ music and a significant part of their allure for many listeners.

As the onslaught of Chino Moreno's drawn out, harsh vocals washes over the listener, there is an explicit narrative of confrontation at play here. Moreno is known for his cryptic lyrical content, often touching upon themes of vulnerability, anger, and raw human emotion. In 'MX', this approach spawns a torrent of emotionally-charged words and phrases, with lines like "It won't stop following me", (source), hinting at the concept of an inescapable past or possibly deeply rooted guilt.

Audio layering and space play significant roles in creating the song's distinct onslaught of sound, resulting in melodies and rhythms that are as intricate as they are powerful. The dual guitar work of Stephen Carpenter and bass lines laid down by Chi Cheng (source) not only construct the song's sonic backbone but also add fascinating details and nuances that reward repeat listens.

Enhancing the phonic experience is the drumming prowess of Abe Cunningham (source), whose rhythmic complexities add indispensable depth and momentum. The idiosyncratic guitar riffs combined with the fluid, almost jazz-like drum patterns underscore the sense of dynamic contrast Deftones have grown famous for.

The song progresses relentlessly towards an intense climax, the tension in the music mirroring the emotion conveyed in the lyrics. It's a potent display of Deftones' knack for establishing a unique musical narrative, even within a genre stereotypically recognized for its aggressive, high-volume aesthetic.

Given its dense, layered complexity, 'MX' can be seen as a meta-commentary on the human elements of confrontation, unvoiced angst, and how these feelings often simmer beneath the surface of everyday life. Moreno's cryptic lyrics become an open-ended invitation for listeners to project their interpretations onto the music.

In conclusion, 'MX' isn't merely a standout track due to its musical prowess or its ability to evoke a specific emotional response. It captures Deftones' ability to articulate the complexities of the human condition beneath a tsunami of sound, turning their music into an engulfing, cathartic experience. Remember, the power of music lies in its ability to elicit a breadth of responses, and the enigmatic yet deeply resonant 'MX' accomplishes this brilliantly. So, when you decide to hit play on 'MX', prepare for a journey through the angst-ridden sphere of Deftones' world, where sonic brutality meets emotive resonance in a beautiful commotion of sound and sentiment.