Take My Pills, Pay My Bills EP by Ackermann

Ackermann is a contemporary techno tastemaker, a Stuttgart's Lehmann Club resident 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 from Truncate, DVS1, and Ben Klock. A prolific producer with plenty of fresh ideas, he recently launched his label Safe Space. 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 "Dream Free" remix 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.

Ackermann - Take My Pills, Pay My Bills EP
Release Date June 2023
Label Virgo

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)