One of the differences between older music and modern music is the overall sound quality shaped by recording technology. Music recorded in the mid-20th century and even into the 1990s often has a grittier, less polished feel compared to contemporary tracks. This is typically because the equipment available for recording, mixing, and mastering was more limited, but in some cases, it can be a stylistic choice.
Deftones’ debut album Adrenaline (1995) is a clear example of this older, grittier sound. According to the album’s producer, Terry Dates, the songs were recorded live using a Shure SM57 mic. He wanted to focus on the character of the instruments, rather than “get too fancy with microphones,” he said. Lead singer, Chino Moreno, also used the mic to create certain sounds by cupping it or holding it different ways. The recording style creates a very raw soundscape that adds texture to the songs, contributing to the bands nu-metal energy. It lets me imagine the band performing live in a basement venue to a small audience, just as they started. Compared to their later albums, which make greater use of layering and digital polishing, Adrenaline portrays a raw quality that aided in formulating the bands identity.