Operation Berlin Ep

For DJs, Berlin's legendary Love Parade is the holy grail, the World Cup final of electronica festivals, so when Paul Van Dyke invited Steve Porter to join his float and perform at the parade for the first time, it was a dream come true. Operation Berlin's two tracks were specifically created for the occasion, and reunite Porter with old friend Aaryn Blain. Blain's contribution is up first, a stellar remix of Porter's own "Fluffer Nutter," which is featured on his Homegrown album. The original boasted a fabulous melody line, which Blain retains, but here he sets it to a much more free-flowing rhythm. Porter fans may miss the punchy bassline that gave the piece its unique rhythm, but with the dancing synths and slamming beats, this "Nutter" is now perfect for Berlin. The pair team up together for the new "Trans AM" which, appropriately enough, is driven by the four on the floor beats, along with a swooping synth. The hook, less a melody than a repeated refrain, kicks it up a gear, a second synth line then spins out, interweaving up, down, and around the original, further heightening the sound. Then it all closes in on itself, as the shadowed atmosphere builds, before kicking out again, splaying into the sunshine in wafts of dual melodies, that twist gaily round each other. Not quite as creative as Porter's more recent work perhaps, but still, a crowd-pleasing party piece that suggests that the DJ is more than ready to wow the crowds worldwide.