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Planet E - PE 65296

It must be pretty easy for a well-known producer to get some publicity for his new tracks. Then again the downside is the lack of forgiveness shown when the production doesn’t deliver as expected. He gets labeled as being old or selling out or doing it for the money. So whenever I see a new release from a producer of Martin Buttrich’s statue, I tend to get a bit nervous. What if this is the downfall? What if it’s got Capitol A on the lyrics? I think I tend to bring myself in a pessimistic state like that just to increase the chances of a positive surprise.

I’m relieved to say that “Stoned Autopilot” is indeed a positive surprise. I don’t care much for the flipside – “Cruise Control” – although it will probably get played by many DJs. The necessary tension is missing, and that’s luckily there on “Stoned Autopilot”. Starting with a punctuated single note bass line, it evolves to a harmony that reminds me to a more techno-ish Henrik Schwarz. And then there’s the breakdown. All in all, it’s not an obvious sort of a hit, but I feel it can do massive damage to the dance floor if played at the right moment.

A: Stoned Autopilot
B: Cruise Control

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Planet E - PE 65292

It’s always making my palms sweat instantly to see a Planet E record on the new releases’ list. Not many labels do that to me these days, but I really cannot recall any disappointments from this label during the years. Not to mention that Planet E is one of the most respected native Detroit techno and house labels since its early ages and is run by Carl Craig, who has pretty much shaped every scape of the modern house and techno sound.

I admit I’ve never heard anything about Sebastien San, and it appears that the guy has a quite short discography so far. But “Rising Sun” got me and my sweaty palms on the first beat. It is built on one short and simple hook and has quite a linear structure, but (typically for Carl Craig) it never gets boring. And works like a Chippendales show on a bingo night - I cannot wait to let this one loose on the dancefloor. Carl Craig edit on the flip restructures the original a bit and offers another buildup scheme.

A: Rising Sun (Original)
B: Rising Sun (C2 edit)

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