- Recent years have seen Carl Craig's Planet E label stray from their roots, welcoming a variety of producers operating outside of the 313 area code. While this diversion towards more of a European techno sound—or even a European spin on many of Craig's classic production tropes—may have caused plenty of ire from purists, the imprint's summer release schedule should provide hope for fans who would rather see Carl Craig showcase homegrown talent from the city.
The Oliverwho Factory are behind the first of three consecutive Detroit 12-inches on the label, and offer a firm retort to the doubters hankering for a more soulful sound with lead cut, "Night Lights." Combining fluttering organic percussion with a strident four-to-the-floor kick and tambourine, this is deep house with an eye for the floor, with the duo's main producer Darryl Caliman waiting a good three minutes before simultaneously bringing in the bassline and some shimmering wobbly chords to great effect. Its firm kick drum and upbuilding tribal techno undercurrent should make it fairly easy to slot into a harder set, with Shonie C's subtle vocal inflections adding a bit of colour to the dance floor.
Carl Craig's own "Bonus Beats" of the track is far from essential, but its booming minimal house vibe could be a useful transition tool for jocks favouring the driving, linear nature of Dutch tech house labels like Remote Area. "Lady Dreamer" rounds the package off on a more brooding late night tip, using a heavily phased modulation and regimented hats to create a casual rolling atmosphere. It's functional enough, but it's the breezy but techy groove of "Night Lights" that'll keep dance floors happy throughout the summer and beyond.
Tracklist A1 Night Lights
B1 Lady Dreamer
B2 Night Lights (C2 Bonus Beats)