Ackermann’s latest release, ‘Jack Dat,’ on Italian label UИCAGE might just be his best work to date.
German producer/DJ Ackermann returns with 5 hard-hitting party tracks on Marco Faraone’s record label, UИCAGE. Heavy kicks and steady grooves, this style of techno is built to stand the test of time. Each of these tracks has a solid, no monkey business techno attitude, while at the same time playfully borrowing from other genres like hip-hop and Detroit house. Ackermann’s Jack Dat EP can tastefully break up the monotony of a techno set, while adding moments of intensity to a house set, making this release a truly versatile DJ tool.
Starting things off is the title track “Jack Dat,” a collaboration with Raphael Dincsoy. A booming kick drum and a cutting hi hats are all that’s needed to set the pace for what’s to come. Dirty rides panned to perfection, and a healthy smattering of white noise, both work to elevate the track’s upward momentum, but the vocal chops are the real kicker. A maniacal laugh teases the drop and suddenly the party is going off. While the track is fairly safe, and doesn’t diverge too much from a typical techno structure, it expertly utilizes each element to make the most out of as few components as possible, resulting in a pure and effective composition. Like track two of the EP declares, “It’s not what you do but how you do it,” but I’m getting ahead of myself. When you’ve spent over a decade digging through thousands of techno tracks as I have, it’s the little things that keep you impressed. For my musical appetite, this track’s offbeat mechanical pop noise, and its rapid snare roll are what grab my attention and keep me hungry for more.
Next is a track that masterfully juxtaposes the dark with the light. “It’s A Feeling” provides a mean beat to strut to, while keeping the mood somewhat light and uplifting with a chopped acoustic guitar sample, resulting in an over the top festive party anthem. The breakdown expertly provides a moment to recharge and regroup; only to be propel the listener right back into pure ecstasy. One can really lose themselves to this tune.
Another track that capitalizes on the levity and effectiveness of a house-inspired sample chop is the fourth track “Do It Well.” Indeed, Ackermann did this one “well,” and encourages listeners to also “Do It Well,” both in and outside of musical endeavors. The vocal sample of this track motivates and inspires, while simultaneously acknowledging its own success, with an unabashed, subtly boastful swagger. Keep doing it well, Ackermann, we’re here for it.
Ackermann’s latest offering on UИCAGE is a rock solid techno release that will add energy and excitement to your next DJ set. What makes this EP better than many other techno samplings is its purity, continuity, and healthy grasp of juxtaposition. These tracks converge around a clear, concise theme, maintain an all around infectious techno groove, and even manage to squeeze in an inspirational sentiment for good measure. Support the artist and label with a digital download from UИCAGE’s bandcamp page, linked below.
-Jeronimo Watson
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