Detroit-based Klectik Recordings artist Josh Surma’s “86 The Rainbow” gets a facelift for Klectik 3.5, a digital exclusive release with two fresh, unique remixes. Chicago-based newcomer Max Jacobson and Detroit’s Vacuum (aka Matt Abbott), both new to the Klectik label, take a stab at remix duties, each injecting personality and creativity into their versions.

Surma’s original version of “86 Tha Rainbow” is a trippy groover. Establishing the track’s foundation with his signature snappy percussion work, Surma’s rhythms are driven by a kick that packs a serious punch. Clever and well-timed vocal samples add texture and playfulness to his meticulously crafted loops. Two minutes in, reverberated analog synths with rich overtones begin to undulate throughout the track. Surma creates a darkly ethereal melodic backdrop while still maintaining the track’s pulsating funk.

Max Jacobson’s “Chicago Morning Remix” is a lovely deep house treatment of Surma’s original. Jacobson smoothes out the vocals adding some delays, and creates a pleasant chord structure with simple keys. This track is full of sultry, chilled out grooves perfect for a bleary-eyed morning after a long night of partying. Jacobson deconstructs the track in its final minutes, bringing things to a close with some sexy congas. Fans of the Sthlmaudio label and Deep Vibes releases will enjoy this one.

Vacuum’s “69 Tha Rainbow” remix is, as you might expect, a filthier take on the original. Vacuum transforms Surma’s track into a dance-floor friendly number that combines modern house with a touch of dirty electronic funk. After a hard-hitting, frenetic start, he introduces some laid-back chords that make the track versatile enough to work for both dark dirty dance floors and blissful summertime beach parties. Fans of John Tejada or Christian Burkhardt’s productions will want to grab this remix.

Support and Feedback from

Josh Surma - 86 Tha Rainbow (Max Jacobson Remix) good - Federico Mollinari (Frankfurt, Oslo, Poker Flat, Freerange) 

Josh Surma - 86 Tha Rainbow (Max Jacobson Remix)
top draw deep electronicness from Max on the remix, nice release and package. - Mark Cotterell (Cleavland, Nightdrive Music, Siteholder)

Josh Surma - 86 Tha Rainbow (Original Mix)
GO JOSH!!! Original is really doin it for me, as is Vacuum's beast of a remix! HOT stuff on here folks!! Keep em comin!! And thanks alot for this! - Derek Plazlako (NYC, Spectral)

Josh Surma - 86 Tha Rainbow (Max Jacobson Remix)
Very good stuff! These tracks would work just as nicely in a minimal set as they would in a house set. I picked a mix that I thought was best only because I had to. I'd use any of the 3 tracks. - Anton Banks (Connecticut, www.antonbanks.com)

Josh Surma - 86 Tha Rainbow (Max Jacobson Remix) Nice Job - Argaric (Berlin / Sweden, Raum....Musik, Truesoul)