Dave Ralph

Only a short while after the release of Tranceport, Vol. 2, Dave Ralph decided to spread the love. Doing it with his own rhythmic grace and beats, Love Parade: Berlin is like a buzz, strong enough to make you feel good, but just shy of that dizzy electronic bliss. While Ralph has previously used such clubs hits like "Toca Me" and "Madagascar," those tunes carried a certain gusto that made your feet stomp instead of tap. This album makes you move, but you keep waiting for the music to push down the barricade. He mixes "bob your head" tunes like Nuclear Ramjet's "Deep Blue" and Trisco's "Muzak" that incorporate off-beat snare drum and disco keyboard, giving the music a lighter touch. But he also presents us with tracks like Kolo's "Track One" and DJ Stigma's "Baby Sunshine," tossing us back into what a lot of trance thrives on: aggressive bass shots, hypnotic pauses, and climaxes. Some may not appreciate that Ralph seems to steer clear of viciously dragging you towards the 21st century techno thunder. But overall, it reflects a diversity that some DJs may forget. The album encourages you to dance, but it also encourages you to listen. Ralph's Love Parade: Berlin can be seen as a message: Trance is not just the clamor of beats, but an up-and-coming art form. ~ Darren Ratner, All Music Guide