Deftones - Mein

Aimed squarely at the mainstream, this is dreamy, metallic pop that oozes confidence. The riffs are razor sharp - cascading gently on the verse and bridling dangerously on the chorus. Serj Tankian phones in one of his trademark guest vocal appearances for maximum crossover appeal - this time a spaced-out, but predictably melancholy drawl. It's an uninspired collaboration, truth be told - Chino and the boys don't need any help carrying a tune - but eminently listenable nonetheless. It's all good, clean fun. Those craving dirty thrills should investigate the album from which this is taken. [Jay Shukla]