(Fade Recordings/Stomp)

All house fans out there get ready to be blown away by this new release from one of the biggest name in progressive house at the moment: Steve Porter. Originating from Boston this artist has already been doing the rounds in the global progressive house scene for a number of years now. The “Porterhouse” release marks Steve’s first major compilation and is a cleverly put together single disk mix that pushes his signature genre defying sound. The mix is jam packed full of 26 awesome tracks, many unreleased, that are tucked into the mix as short put punctuated mixes leaving no part of the disk with an intro/outro feel. All the included productions have been edited by Porter who alters their structure to fit each track specifically into the mix.

The tunes for the compilation were selected from over 300 tracks considered for the mix. Porter summarises his mixing style perfectly with the following quote: “I like to get right to the point when I mix, deliver the goods, and drop the next record.” This attitude was obvious at his unforgettable 3 hour set at Sweetchilli on the Terrace late last year where he belted out tune after quality tune with unbelievable energy behind the decks. The album also stands out from other compilations as it blurs the line between djing and production in an artist release as it includes 9 of his original productions. The mix traverses many genres and runs with his labels philosophy of “No rules, no borders”.

The disk kicks off with the fitting vocal intro of Steve Porter & DJ Hush – Carismo and gets straight into some tight house beats and grooving basslines. Nightriders – Showcase #3 pumps along with a slathering of disco goodness and smooth punchy sounds. The disk has many highlights (almost too many to mention) including a number of Porter’s productions such as the awesome rolling grooves of Hulkinator, the characteristic piano line of Junk in the Trunk which many will recognise and the deep bassline of Funk Theory which would no doubt devastate dance floors.

Many other lesser known producers are presented through the mix with many stemming from the ‘Porterhouse network’ including many names from the Boston area such as Agent 001, Eli Wilke, Chris Micali and Island 9. Local DJ and producer Matt Rowan is featured on this compilation with his melodic house tune Keep Sake which fits perfectly into the groove of this cd, make sure to check him in Sydney at nights such as Sweetchilli or Sounds. Other tunes stand out from the general sound and provide an eclectic or techy break in the funky driving sounds such as Chop Shop – Jenk, Chris Reavey – Spac and many more. Towards the end of the mix the vibe gets more melodic with a number of amazing tracks such as the dreamy melodies of Island 9 – Wet Spaghetti and Funk Harmony Park – Funk Up.

Overall this release is a mind blowing excursion through a variety of quality tracks that are great for the dance floor or for grooving away to on your way to work. The mix covers a variety of sounds including: progressive, tech, electro tinged, deep melodic and funk throughout the 26 tracks included and each is imprinted with the unmistakable Steve Porter sound. If you have been a set by this man you would know exactly what I mean otherwise make sure to check him out next time he is out this way. This is a fun party cd and would be liked by both the tune spotting chin stroker’s and house lovers alike. Highly Recommended!