The Audio Perv

By Lavina Loya

The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA played host to Crosses stage debut Tuesday night. Hundreds of fans lined the street waiting for the doors to open and undoubtedly waiting to see what Deftones frontman Chino Moreno had to offer within this new venture. The small venue filled up quickly with fans anticipating their maiden voyage.

Moreno has teamed up with core members Shaun Lopez and Chuck Doom to create EP1, released in August, 2011 and EP2 just recently released in January of this year. Although the show was hot on the heels of the last release date, it was evident fans waisted no time aquatinting themselves with the material.

As fans crowded the front of the stage, they watch three large illuminated crosses be wheeled out. With soft ever-changing colors they cast a soft glow over the band that would set the mood for the entire evening. Not to be overlooked was the presence of the two drum sets. As the band slowly trickled out on to the stage the glasshouse applauded in unison. They still made no secret of who they were really there for. The house went crazy as Moreno walked out last, outfitted in the standard hooded jacket. I can only imagine the crowd was think exactly what I was thinking: I will not make Deftones comparisons!

Crosses got the show started with the haunting & slow “Thholyghost” then quickly following with the robotic and melodic sounding “This Is A Trick.” The electronic element runs extra strong throughout the bands sound and makes it surprisingly easy to put the word Deftones right out of your mind. Tracks like “Frontiers” had Moreno characteristically jumping off the stage and onto the railing to get up close and personal with the fans.

The high energy (and best song of the night contender,) “Telepathy” made itʼs way into the center of the ten song set. Chuck Doom was killing it on the bass and the standingroom-only venue was going crazy. Fans were screaming every word as the show found itʼs stride and launched into high gear. Quickly switching gears, and next on deck was “1987,” a dreamlike trip that represents so much of what crosses is about. It showcases the softer side the the group just at the right moment…just in case you forgot after the perfect screams of their frontman.

The group rounded out the short show with a new unknown song and the “Batman: Arkham Asylum” soundtrack song “The Years” before walking off stage. The sludgy, slow, I-just-took-a-muscle-relaxer sound of Morenoʼs voice kept fans wanting even more of what they already know and love. Giving in to tradition the band came back out for an encore with the addition of Giant Dragʼs Annie Hardy. Coming together for a duet of Hardyʼs own “Pretty Little Neighbors,” Moreno held the song together and played second fiddle to Hardyʼs interesting performance. The night officially came to a close with “Trophy” a wispy lullaby of a song that left the crowd fully satisfied.

The duo of drum kits kept the room beating with a full and blended sound all night, while the digital dominance added an extra layer- creating an interesting and welcomed juxtaposition. The band seems to have mastered the tightrope walk of intertwining heavy thick and loud with sounds that are energetic, upbeat and dare I say…..danceable. All bands will have a first show and as far as first shows go, Crosses came out swinginʼ.

(All photos courtesy of Shannon Schwiebert)