Artist: Ackermann
Title: Take My Pills, Pay My Bills EP
Label: Virgo
Cat. #: VIRGO018D
Format: Digital
Release Date: 14th June 2023
Tracklist
1) Take My Pills, Pay My Bills
2) Dream Free
3) Take My Pills, Pay My Bills (Pills Version)
4) Dream Free (Luke Hess Remix)
5) Dream Free (Jancen Remix)

llario Alicante’s techno-focused Virgo outlet welcomes Ackermann for the excellently titled ‘Take My Pills, Pay My Bills’ EP, featuring remixes from Luke Hess and Jancen.

Ackermann is a contemporary techno tastemaker, a resident at Stuttgart’s Lehmann Club and a regular on Marco Faraone’s UNCAGE label. He has also collaborated with artists like Michael Klein and Martin Eyerer, with high- profile support coming in from the likes of Truncate, DVS1 and Ben Klock. A prolific producer with plenty of fresh ideas, he recently launched his own label Safe Space, and now he impresses on Ilario Alicante’s increasingly essential Virgo imprint with his ‘Take My Pills, Pay My Bills’ EP.

The title track is compelling techno funk with muscular drums full of bounce. Molten synths peel off the groove next to a dark vocal that repeats the title to get you further locked in. It’s classy and packed with well-designed soundscapes. ‘Dream Free’ is warp-speed techno with warm and dubby undercurrents. A subtle vocal encourages you to ‘follow me’ and brings some human soul as the tight chords twist and turn up top to a mesmeric effect. ‘Take My Pills, Pay My Bills’ (Pills Version) is a peak-time techno rush with urgent drum patterns that make an indelible impact.

Luke Hess is a Detroit dub techno don who has dropped cuts on the likes of FXHE and Echocord. He brings his signature sound to a slick remix of ‘Dream Free’ with icy hi-hats and rubbery drums that lock you into a hypnotic state. DJ/producer Jancen hails from the Netherlands and is making moves with tunes on Solid Tracks, Safe Space and Be As One. His take on ‘Dream Free’ closes the show as he combines a hefty low-end with Motor City synths and irresistibly rubbery kicks.