Modern Times by Garry Trace & Mike Tales: A Techno Time Capsule from 2002
Alright, let’s talk about Modern Times, the kinda underrated techno album by Garry Trace and Mike Tales. Released in 2002 under the PV label outta Germany, this one's a bit of a hidden gem for fans of raw, unfiltered electronic vibes. It’s not trying to be flashy or overproduced—just straight-up gritty beats that stick with you.
The title track, “Modern Times,” is an absolute banger. I mean, it grabs you right away with this hypnotic bassline that just doesn’t quit. The rhythm has this relentless push-pull thing going on, like it’s dragging you into some neon-lit warehouse rave at 3 AM. What makes it memorable is how stripped-down yet punchy it feels—you can almost hear the sweat dripping off the walls. It’s got this mechanical pulse to it, which fits perfectly with the whole "modern times" vibe. You know, like we’re all cogs in some giant machine? Yeah, deep stuff for a techno track, but hey, that’s what makes it cool.
Then there’s “Compress…”—and yeah, the dots in the title are part of it, don’t ask me why. This one hits different because it’s more minimalistic compared to “Modern Times.” It starts off slow, teasing you with these faint blips and bloops before building up into this crushing wall of sound. There’s something oddly satisfying about how repetitive it is; it’s like your brain gets lulled into this trance-like state where nothing else matters except keeping up with the beat. Honestly, it’s the kind of track that makes you wanna stare blankly at a wall while nodding your head furiously. No judgment here if that sounds weird—it works.
One thing I love about this album is how authentic it feels. These guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel or chase trends back in ‘02—they just made music that sounded like them. And honestly, isn’t that what techno’s supposed to be about? Raw energy, no frills, just pure groove.
Reflecting on Modern Times now, it’s kinda wild to think about how much music has changed since then. Back then, streaming wasn’t even a thing, and people still bought CDs (remember those?). Listening to this album feels like stepping into a time machine—not just musically, but culturally too. Plus, coming from Germany, the spiritual home of techno, adds another layer of street cred to the whole package.
Oh, and here’s a random thought to leave you with: If robots ever start making their own music, I bet it’ll sound a lot like Modern Times. Just saying.
