Buckle up for Chi

Sorry for the month-long hiatus. I just bought a house and I've been painting and remodeling before I move in. I have some cool stuff in the pipeline, like an interview with Doug Jones, who plays Abe Sapien in the Hellboy movies, and last week I saw Bond's latest, Quantum of Solace, so a review is almost ready to be posted. Check back soon for full-length posts.

But before all that, I had to post something on Deftones bassist Chi Cheng, who was seriously injured in a car accident in Northern California earlier this week. According to a recent posting on the band's page by singer Chino Moreno, Chi's in serious but stable condition. Chi's mom is by his side and — like any concerned mother — has asked the band to spread the word on Chi's condition and things we can do for him. First up: wear a seatbelt. Whether Chi was wearing one or not doesn't really matter anymore, but we can all do him and ourselves a favor by strapping in before we (be quiet and) drive.

And in case you've been living in a thatched hut for the last 20 years, the Deftones are one of the most important (if also underappreciated) bands making music now. From Adrenaline's raw ferocity to White Pony's devestating grace to Saturday Night Wrist's subtle loud-soft dynamic, the Deftones not only crushed their way out of the nu-metal sludge of the ’90s but unfolded their buzzsaw sound to expose lush, delicate soundscapes that were heavy in all new directions. Chi, like the other four members of the group, played an important part of crafting the Deftones' trademark sound, which was often more remiscent of Radiohead than Korn, a band they were mistakenly slopped together with by critics and radio DJs. I've interviewed Chi a number of times on the phone and in person and he's been nothing but gracious with his time. And he always spoke highly of the music he helped create — not because that's what a band member is supposed to do, but because he was confident in his band's musical progression. It looks like Eros, the Deftones' new album, will be delayed, and rightfully so to allow Chi time to recuperate and heal.

I've heard very little religion or spirituality from the Deftones in the 14 years I've been listening, but Chino has asked all the fans to pray for Chi and his family during this "serious but stable" phase, and hopefully he'll be on the mend very soon.