Album Review: Toja 2 by Toja – A Trip Back to '95 Rave Vibes
Alright, let’s talk about Toja 2. This gem dropped in 1995 and it’s one of those albums that just screams “Germany in the ‘90s.” You know what I mean? It’s got that raw, underground electronic energy with a mix of Trance, Techno, and Acid vibes. The kind of stuff that makes you wanna throw on some neon leg warmers (even if it's 2023) and hit an abandoned warehouse party.
First off, big shoutout to Jan Friedrich and Thomas Wedel—they’re the masterminds behind this whole thing. Not only did they produce the album, but they also wrote all the tracks. These guys clearly knew how to craft beats that stick in your head for days. And props to Phuture Wax for putting it out there. Labels like that were straight fire back then.
Now onto the tracks. Let’s start with “Pow”—this one hits HARD. Like, immediately when it kicks in, you’re like, “Oh yeah, we’re doing this.” The bassline is relentless, and there’s this repeating synth riff that feels kinda hypnotic, y’know? It’s not too polished or clean-cut, which honestly adds to its charm. Feels like something you’d hear at 4 AM when everyone’s lost their minds dancing. That track alone could carry the whole album, but wait… there’s more.
Then there’s “Put Your House In Order,” which might be my personal fave. Don’t ask me why—it just clicks. Maybe it’s the way the beat builds up slowly, teasing you before dropping into full-on rave mode. Or maybe it’s because the acid squelches are so damn satisfying. Whatever it is, it’s got this vibe that makes you feel untouchable while listening. Like, yeah, life’s a mess, but THIS moment right here? Perfect.
The rest of the album keeps the energy going strong, but these two tracks really stand out as the ones I can’t stop thinking about. They’ve got this nostalgic edge without feeling dated, if that makes sense. Kinda wild how music from almost 30 years ago still bangs harder than half the stuff today.
Reflecting on Toja 2, it reminds me how much dance music has evolved—but also how much it hasn’t. At its core, it’s still about losing yourself in the sound, forgetting everything else for a bit. Listening to this album feels like stepping into a time machine, except instead of seeing dinosaurs or whatever, you end up in a sweaty club where people are vibing harder than ever.
Unexpected thought: If someone told me aliens landed in Germany in ’95 and made this album as their interpretation of human music, I wouldn’t question it. That’s how otherworldly good it is. So yeah, give it a spin—you won’t regret it.
