Alright, let’s dive into Joey Tonad by Joey Tonad. Yeah, the dude named the album after himself—bold move, right? Released back in '95 under 80 Aum Records, this Dutch techno gem hits like a neon-lit punch to your eardrums. It’s raw, unfiltered, and feels like it was made for those late-night drives through empty city streets.
First up, "Lestat." Man, this track slaps harder than I expected. It’s got this hypnotic beat that just pulls you in, like you’re spiraling down some trippy rabbit hole. The synths are sharp but not overdone, kinda like they’re teasing you instead of screaming for attention. What sticks with me is how moody it feels—it’s not trying too hard to be cool; it just is. You know when something feels alive without being loud about it? That’s “Lestat” for ya. Every time I hear it, I picture shadows dancing on cracked concrete walls. Weird imagery, sure, but that’s what good music does—it makes your brain go places.
Then there’s “Untitled,” which might as well have been called “Mysterious Vibes Only.” This one’s more stripped-down compared to “Lestat,” almost like Joey wanted us to sit with the silence between the notes. There’s this pulsing rhythm that sneaks up on you, subtle at first, then BAM—it locks you in. It’s the kind of track that makes you forget where you are for a sec because it’s so immersive. Like, I once zoned out listening to it while waiting for my coffee, and suddenly realized I hadn’t even ordered yet. True story.
You can tell this album wasn’t made for mainstream playlists—it’s niche, gritty, and proud of it. And honestly, that’s what makes it special. Listening to Joey Tonad feels like finding an old mixtape in the attic, dusty but full of secrets only you get to uncover.
Here’s the kicker though: after spinning these tracks, I couldn’t help but wonder if Joey ever thought his music would still be relevant decades later. Or maybe he didn’t care either way—he just made it because he had to. Either way, hats off to him. Dude crafted something timeless here, even if it flies under the radar for most people. Now excuse me while I hit repeat… again.
