Dave Ralph - Resident Alien (CD)

All Music Guide

He may have an allegiance to superstar (aka bland) trance (he delivered volume two in the ultimate wallpaper series, Tranceport), but Dave Ralph's sets paint him as a fan of underground house. And his ear for distinctive tracks is especially appreciated in a dance climate that sees many DJs who should know better indulging in the usual Pro Tools mix disc -- nine tracks of eight-minute sound-alikes equaling a perfect 72 minutes (the most bang for listeners' bucks, if not their sensibilities). Resident Alien has a bit of a taint to it, since the record marks the debut of his label (never a good sign from a DJ). Fortunately, the music brushes aside any hint of major-label intrigue. Ralph still has a great sense for tunes that motivate mind and body, resulting in a mix that offers as much to those playing at home as those in the presence of the man himself. Deep, dark house music is the style on tap, with just a few of the dynamic flourishes beloved of trance mixers (and audiences). Ralph ...begins slowly, with a few lengthy tracks (the opener is Luis Diaz's nine-minute "Deep Sound"), then stretches out for a long middle passage that peaks with a suitably epic "3AM" by Spoiled Presents Stoler. His own "Full Contact" brings the mood down perfectly. Trackmaster Ralph also includes a second disc with five selections from his own label, three of them his own productions. - John Bush, All Music Guide Read more Less