Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 16
Dexter’s Beat Laboratory is a weekly collection of songs from DA music editor and staff writer Robyn Dexter. With a taste that can only be described as eclectic — to say nothing of a name that lends itself to punnery — DA is happy to present a selection of tracks personally curated by Dexter for your listening pleasure.
There’s something beautifully haunting about the call of a loon. Their eerie cry invokes deep nostalgia for me, taking me back to summer vacations spent in Canada and hearing the birds’ mesmerizing call echo across the lake in the late hours of the night. Sultan + Shepard have used a loon call in their latest release, “Bloom,” and it fits in perfectly to create a wilderness atmosphere surrounding a simple melody. It’s a beautiful song, made all-the-more beautiful by one of the coolest sounds in nature.
Teminite just hit 100,000 followers on SoundCloud and has released the perfect track to celebrate the occasion. “Party Time” is full of upbeat, dancing synths that frame a grooving melody, paired with pumped-up vocals that add to the party atmosphere. Though it starts off with a cheery vibe, Teminite brings his signature grinding dubstep elements to the chorus, creating a fun juxtaposition. “Party Time” is an intense, energetic piece of work, perfectly highlighting the producer’s excitement about the recent milestone.
Any song with Au5‘s name attached to it is bound to be a celestial, otherworldly journey. His latest, a collaboration with Last Heroes and vocalist Holly Drummond, is a carefully crafted exploration of a “Lush” soundscape. With intricate builds and a focus on Drummond’s soothing vocals, “Lush” is an impeccable example of melodic dubstep at its finest. And can we talk about that album art? Just beautiful.
RL Grime‘s “Core” is one of the most easily recognizable tracks in the dance music game. Since its release in July 2014, “Core” has fueled headbangers at festival stages around the world. On Nov. 21, “Core” was presented in a whole new light by flip guru Crystalize. He’s given the legendary track an even more bass-heavy makeover, adding dramatic synths behind the memorable siren-like melody and beefing up the trap elements in the chorus. “Core” marks Crystalize’s second RL Grime flip this year after his “Reims” rework in June.
Bass house is having a moment, and Spock is here for it. He’s just released “Digital War,” a ferocious, bass-driven single that’s complemented by plucky video game-like synths, staying true to its title. I first heard Spock’s music when he collaborated with Party Ghost years ago and have been thrilled to see the way he’s developed as an artist. His last release, “Floating,” is vastly different from “Digital War,” so there’s no knowing what he’ll cook up next. All we know is that it’ll be awesome.
Read More:
Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 15
Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 14
Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 13
Categories: Music