[Planet E]

Though it was considered one of 2007’s decent sized hits, the lack of nuance and by-the-numbers minimal arrangement of Martin Buttrich’s “Hunter” 12″ caught me off guard. After the aptly-titled “Well Done,” “Cloudy Bay” and the ubiquitous “Full Clip,” all of which were deftly chiseled and fitting of Buttrich’s production pedigree, I felt rather disappointed. At the time I ventured that the pressure of releasing solo records as opposed to ghostwriting for Timo Maas or Loco Dice and remixing others might be wearing on him and his music, something he all but confirmed in a recent interview. Unfortunately, his latest release is another step in that direction. “Stoned Autopilot” is Buttrich’s second for Planet E; and like the first which put his name on the map, its steady repetitions look to Carl Craig’s catalog for guidance.

Based on the dearth of ideas and the illustrative track titles (“Stoned Autopilot” and “Cruise Control”), I gather Martin could churn out this style of track like a one man cottage industry. Both sides lean hard on ostinato synth rhythms, but hey, at least there’s a lot melody to adore. “Stoned Autopilot” makes the most of its palpitations by layering harmonizing chords which climb high and tumble down the scale, its rich mid-range tones evoking a hearty brass section. While “Cruise Control” begins promisingly — light melodic flourishes, ringing percussion — it quickly walks onto the ostinato treadmill and plods forward through tense pads until it reaches the other side, only to start anew. The balmy repetitions of the superior “Stoned” are destined to excite a big room crowd and Carl Craig was probably right to sign it for that reason (as only his remixes work that sound anymore); but I can’t help being disappointed at Buttrich’s trajectory. It seems he’s struggling to make good on proven potential and truly put himself in the music for fear too many are watching. Perhaps a secret identity would lure this bashful producer’s talents out of hiding.