Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 27
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.
This week’s Beat Lab kicks off with a seemingly innocent track, “Too Much” by Rome in Silver. Right around the minute mark, though, it becomes clear that with haunting vocals and a deep, grinding bass, “Too Much” will build into something much more formidable. I love the way this track switches atmospheres so quickly. It swings from bass-loaded and moody to a more lighthearted, melody-oriented vibe in a split second, making it a thrilling surprise of a track.
Drum & bass producer Flite is kicking off his 2018 releases with an original called “Raincoat.” The track leans away from his usual fast-paced style and into a more trap-oriented, futuristic frame of mind. He spends most of the first half of the song on an anticipatory build. The gradual increase in intensity leads the listener into the climax of the track, which is brimming with layers of synths and bass.
Tim Schaufert‘s pieces are always so well done. His recent ones, in particular, make for the perfect winter soundtrack: melancholy and euphoric at the same time, evoking an otherworldly feeling. His latest, “Beginnings,” is built around a tender piano melody and a minimalist ambient percussion rhythm. Dreamy vocals add to the delicate soundscape, fluttering in and out of the graceful melody.
I’m so excited to feature one of Tor‘s songs in this playlist, because he’s an artist I’ve discovered by digging through Envision Festival‘s lineup. One of his latest releases is an evocative percussion-centered remix of fellow Envision artist CloZee‘s “Secret Place.” I feel like I find something new each time I listen to it, and if he’s as dynamic as his music, I can’t wait to see him perform.
Stay tuned for a Q&A with Tor, coming to DA on Feb. 10.
Midnight Kids are celebrating the three-year anniversary of Madeon‘s legendary collaboration with Passion Pit, “Pay No Mind,” with a fun-filled remix. Their take on the track is layered with beautiful melodies, maintaining Passion Pit’s original catchy vocals. With a humble following and loyal fans, they’ve racked up nearly 40,000 plays in just a few days — and rightly so.