Modern Thrills cover

Modern Thrills

Tesla Boy · 2010

56 min · 11 tracks · funk

An intoxicating blend of synth-driven melodies and disco rhythms that evoke a futuristic yet nostalgic dance floor experience.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Electric Lady — This opening track sets the tone with its catchy hooks and infectious energy, epitomizing the album's blend of nostalgia and modernity.
  • →
    Synthetic Prince — With its lush synths and driving beat, this track highlights the band's knack for creating danceable tunes that are both sophisticated and accessible.
  • →
    Dark Street — The atmospheric layering and emotive vocals on this track reveal deeper lyrical themes, showcasing the band's ability to blend storytelling with engaging beats.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album blends synth-driven melodies and disco rhythms effectively, showcasing solid production and composition.

What we noticed

  • The first half of the album features upbeat tracks that maintain a consistent tempo, while the second half introduces slower, more introspective pieces.
  • Synthesizers dominate the sound palette, with layered melodies creating a rich texture throughout the tracks.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • futuristic dance floor vibes
  • nostalgic late-night energy
  • synth-driven melodic exploration
  • inviting sing-along choruses
  • captivating rhythmic pulses

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • avoid lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
By the time Tesla Boy released Modern Thrills in 2010, they were transitioning from being a burgeoning act to a more recognized name in the electropop scene. This album followed their debut, showcasing their evolution with polished production and a cohesive sound that hinted at broader appeal beyond their Russian roots.
Stylistic neighbors
Empire of the Sun· Hot Chip· Daft Punk

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Thinking of You

    A poignant moment where the lyrics shift from longing to acceptance, capturing a transformative feeling within an upbeat melody.

    This juxtaposition between reflective lyrics and an energetic arrangement emphasizes the complexity of emotions often felt in relationships.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Electric Lady 5:21
  • 2 Synthetic Prince 4:30
  • 3 Rebecca 4:14
  • 4 Synchronizing 5:57
  • 5 Minsk-2 5:31
  • 6 Dark Street 6:23
  • 7 Liberating Soul 6:02
  • 8 Fire 4:56
  • 9 Make Believe Ballroom 2:18
  • 10 Thinking of You 7:00
  • 11 Speed of Light 4:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata