Inside the Studio Tapes: the Making of X’s Under the Big Black Sun
By James H. Sterling
The transition from independent label Slash Records to major imprint Elektra marked a pivotal turning point for American punk rock. The band gained access to higher-end studios, expanded track counts, and larger mixing desks, while fighting to protect the speed and integrity of their rhythm section.
| Release / Album | Production Environment | Guitar & Audio Philosophy |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (1980) | Slash Records; low-budget, fast tracking over roughly two weeks. | High-velocity punk; raw bleeding room mics; compressed transients. |
| Wild Gift (1981) | Slash Records; slightly expanded tracking schedule; tight analog limits. | Dry, biting mix; intimate proximity effect on joint vocals. |
| Under the Big Black Sun (1982) | Elektra Studios; 24-track analog tape; extended arrangement work. | Pristine clean tone staging; country-rockabilly accents; textured stereo image. |
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
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