Archeo Recordings returns with another essential reissue. That might sound like promotional blah, but believe me, if you’re of a Balearic / Afro / Cosmic bent, then you’ll be in need of a copy of Ettika.

While originally released in 1985, via Johnny Coco Musik and Jean-François Bizot’s ground-breaking Celluloid Records, this crazy cut, however, first entered most diggers / collectors consciousness around a decade and a half ago, when Alexis Le Tan and Allo Rodolphe edited the track for Lovefingers’ Blackdisco label. It was Alexis’ friend, Vidal Benjamin, who actually found the 7” in a sales bin, took a punt and paid 50 cents for it. Then later giving a second copy to Alexis. Vidal has penned a passionate essay, which details the background of the 45, its production and its rediscovery, for the Archeo reissue package.

The track itself is an irresistible, exotic mix of chanted vocals and Middle Eastern synth melodies, that comes in Arabic and French versions. The latter features a rap, while the former sounds like a meeting of Code 61’s Drop The Deal and Ahmed Fakroun’s Soleil Soleil. Plus un petit peu of the brilliant, Dennis Bovell-produced, Saada Bonaire.

For the 2024 repress, Archeo have commissioned a trio of terrific remixes. The Veteran Delinquents – Craig Christon and Tim Hutton – initially stay fairly faithful to the original. Extending it, taming its bounce a bit (making it easier to mix), and adding little acidic squelches. These TB-303 twists, though, eventually take over, forging a forceful throb.

Italian duo Hear & Now have also created a couple of contrasting takes. Their French Remix is completely chilled. Practically unrecognisable. With elements of the OG reduced to echoed whispers, and some super, stoned, blues-y electric axe work instead dominating the now serene synthscape. The Arab Remix, on the other hand, elevates the tempo, transforming the tune into a progressive, percussive, druggy chugger. Dubbed-out, and swirling with psychedelic guitar, disorientating, like a delirious dervish, this is definitely going do serious damage in certain circles.

Ettika is out now, care of Archeo Recordings. A 7 and 12” were released together as a super limited Record Store Day package. However, both are now also available separately.