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Ashely Wolfgram

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Aug 4, 2024, 4:31:49 AM8/4/24

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Toploader's Debut Album Onka's Big Moka: A Funky Throwback to the '70s

Toploader is an English band that emerged in the late '90s with a sound that blended post-Britpop, alternative rock and funk. Their debut album, Onka's Big Moka, was released in 1999 and became a huge success in the UK, reaching number four on the albums chart and staying there for six months. The album was produced by Dave Eringa, who had previously worked with the Manic Street Preachers. The title of the album is a reference to a 1974 anthropological documentary about the Kawelka people of Papua New Guinea, who practice a ritual exchange of gifts called moka. [^1^]

Onka's Big Moka features 12 tracks that showcase Toploader's catchy melodies, groovy rhythms and soulful vocals. The album is heavily influenced by the music of the '70s, especially the honky-tonk of the Rolling Stones and the Faces, the soul of early Elton John, and the infectious funk of Stevie Wonder. [^2^] The band also covers one of their favorite songs from that era, "Dancing in the Moonlight" by King Harvest, which became their biggest hit and a staple of their live shows. The song was later used in several commercials, movies and TV shows, such as Sainsbury's, A Walk to Remember, Four Lions and The Umbrella Academy. [^1^]

Some of the highlights of the album include "Let the People Know", a string-laden dance track that opens the album with a bang; "Achilles Heel", a tuneful rocker that builds up to a noisy climax; "Breathe", a ballad that showcases Joseph Washbourne's raspy voice; "Only for a While", a melancholic song that features a guest appearance by Paul Weller on guitar; and "High Flying Bird", a funky tune that celebrates freedom and adventure. [^2^]

Onka's Big Moka is a supremely enjoyable record that evokes some of the best musical trends of the '70s and blends them all together admirably. It is a testament to Toploader's talent and charisma that they managed to create such a fresh and original sound out of their retro influences. The album is also a great example of how music can transcend time and space, as it connects a band from England with a tribe from Papua New Guinea through a shared love of funk.

Onka's Big Moka received mostly positive reviews from critics, who praised the band's energy, enthusiasm and musicianship. AllMusic gave the album four out of five stars, calling it "a supremely enjoyable record" that "evokes some of the best musical trends of the '70s and blends them all together admirably". [^2^] BBC Music also gave a favorable review, describing the album as "a collection of well-crafted pop songs that are guaranteed to make you smile". Blender magazine awarded the album three and a half stars out of five, saying that "Toploader have a knack for writing catchy hooks and delivering them with gusto". [^3^]

However, some critics were less impressed by the album, finding it derivative, bland or unoriginal. USA Today gave the album two stars out of four, stating that "Toploader's debut is so steeped in '70s nostalgia that it sounds like a tribute album". Select magazine also gave the album two stars out of five, calling it "a dull and uninspired record" that "lacks any real identity or spark". New Straits Times was more mixed in its review, saying that "while Toploader have some good tunes and a decent singer, they don't have much else to offer". [^3^]

Despite the mixed critical reception, Onka's Big Moka was a commercial success, selling over 900,000 copies in the UK and earning a triple platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry. The album also charted in several other countries, such as Ireland, Denmark, Germany and Australia. [^1^] The album spawned four singles: "Let the People Know", "Achilles Heel", "Only for a While" and "Dancing in the Moonlight", which was the most successful one, reaching number seven on the UK Singles Chart and number 19 on the US Billboard Hot 100.