by: Robyn Dexter
Jul 20, 2018
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.
Oliver Nelson is back with another polished disco tune. In “Talk,” Linae’s glossy vocals complement Nelson’s production perfectly, creating a disco atmosphere that’s both modern and retro. The original comes as the Swedish producer’s first release since his January collaboration with Tobtok, “99 Red Balloons.”
I stumbled across a visionary trio a few days ago and was intrigued by the combination of synthwave and Fleetwood Mac. Brooklyn musicians Jaguar Dreams used “simple instruments and modern machines to feed the primitive appetite for dance” in this cover, and it’s a dreamy, gorgeous wonderland. Did I mention that this is their first release ever? The future is bright for this trio.
No matter the feelings toward Drake‘s smash hit “In My Feelings” and its accompanying viral dance movement, listeners will surely appreciate this take from talented brass aficionados Brasstracks. Abandoning Drizzy’s vocals for bright horn stabs, the duo have crafted an infectious rendition that’s packed with power and energy.
Party Ghost‘s venture into darker music has led to some incredible productions. His latest, “Cloak and Dagger,” is completely unpredictable. It gathers momentum slowly, building and dropping into pounding, shadowy bass, followed by another surprise that hits just before the two-minute mark. Incorporating dubstep and heavy wobbles into the final part of the track, Party Ghost demonstrates there’s nothing he can’t do.
Rameses B has been on a roll this year, dolling out one drum & bass masterpiece after another. For his latest, though, he’s followed up his January Spacewalk album with its second installation: Spacewalk II: Zero Gravity. This psytrance track, “Space Race,” is perhaps one of the most upbeat of the album and is both delicate and complex at the same time. “We are explorers and diverge with grace because no matter which path we choose we end up exactly where we need to be,” he says of the album. “Music can tell that story and this music can help us get there.” Couldn’t agree more.
Categories: Features, Music
