Album Review: Modify by Truncate (2013)
Alright, let’s talk about Modify by Truncate. Released in 2013 under the label Truncate (yep, same as the artist), this album is a no-nonsense dive into raw techno with a side of electronic vibes. It’s the kind of record that doesn’t try too hard to impress—it just does. And honestly? That’s what makes it stick.
The US-based producer keeps things tight here, focusing on stripped-back beats and moody atmospheres. The mastering and lacquer cut were handled by Dietrich Schoenemann, which probably explains why everything sounds so clean yet punchy. You can tell they weren’t messing around when putting this together.
Now, onto the tracks. I’ll be straight up—there are two tunes from this album that still rattle around in my brain whenever I think of it. First off, there’s “Modify.” It’s not just the title track; it feels like the heartbeat of the whole project. The groove grabs you right away, all mechanical and gritty, like an old factory coming back to life at midnight. There’s something hypnotic about how the synths weave through the beat—it’s minimal but packs a punch. If you’ve ever been stuck in a dimly lit room at 3 AM, staring at nothing, this one will feel way too relatable.
Then there’s “10th.” Oh man, this one hits different. It starts slow, almost teasing you, before dropping into this relentless rhythm that just digs its claws in. The bassline is deep enough to make your chest vibrate if you crank up the volume. What gets me every time is how simple it seems, but somehow it builds this tension that never fully releases. It’s kinda frustrating in the best possible way—you want more, but it holds back just enough to keep you hooked.
The other track, “30,” is solid too, don’t get me wrong. But for me, those first two really stand out because they capture the essence of what Truncate is going for here: dark, driving, and unapologetically underground.
Looking back, Modify might not reinvent the wheel, but maybe that’s the point. Sometimes you don’t need flashy tricks or over-the-top production to leave a mark. This album reminds me of those nights where nothing much happens, but you wake up feeling like something shifted inside you. Weird, huh? Anyway, give it a spin if you’re into techno that doesn’t hold your hand—it’s worth it.
Oh, and fun fact: listening to this album makes me crave black coffee. No clue why. Maybe it’s the caffeine equivalent of techno music? Who knows.
