Dave Ralph - Tranceport, Vol. 2 (CD)

All Music Guide

Following on from the first volume in the series (mixed by Paul Oakenfold), Dave Ralph's Tranceport II works through two discs of progressive trance. Ralph is a bit more inspired by the breakbeat end of trance than Oakenfold (who has a tendency for Eurodance), and the collection benefits from it. His song selection and musical sense also trump Oakenfold's, and Tranceport II includes some excellent tracks, starting with the opener, "Rabbitweed," by fellow trance DJ Sasha. Ralph balances tracks by what are fast becoming the usual trance producers (Art of Trance, X-Cabs, Jam Spoon) for this sort of collection with comparatively left-field figures like Luke Slater, Oliver Lieb, and Resistance D. Though he puts his imprint on the collection, any DJ mix album that averages over eight minutes per track (as this one does) reveals a distinct lack of energy and enthusiasm -- like the glut of albums by superstar DJs, Tranceport II is more of a collection of tracks (albeit well-selected tracks) t...han a mix album. Perfect for your hipper shoe stores, but maybe not the best diversion of listeners' time. - John Bush, All Music Guide Read more Less