Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 37
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.
Step into this beautiful house haven that Zookëper and Goshfather have created called “For Real.” With Goshfather still riding the high of his massive hit, “Everybody” with the Bingo Players, “For Real” makes an exceptional follow up. Zookëper ended his 2017 on a high note with a feisty remix for The Knocks, so these two teaming up was bound to be a surefire hit.
New Jersey brother duo Synchronice just released a self-titled five-track EP. The introductory track, “Light,” makes for a gorgeous lead-in to the Synchronice EP. With a gradual build and layers of heavenly synths, it paves the way for the remaining four tracks. Choir-like vocals and even a brief guitar melody draw the listener in beautifully.
13 is about to blow up in 2018. Already this year, he’s followed up last year’s massive REZZ collaboration with a remix for Krayysh, a Nest HQ mix, and now, an original. “Physical” brings 13’s signature dark style in full force, mounting his attack and sneaking up on the listener with an anticipatory, moody introduction. He layers in Darth Vader-like breathing for added eeriness, pausing midway through the song to drum up another build reminiscent of someone running. It’s haunting in every sense of the word.
Colorado producer brothel has taken on one of modern pop-punk’s biggest voices: Paramore. He steps up the intensity of Hayley Williams’ vocals by kicking them up an octave and adding heavy amounts of bass. One Reddit user says brothel is able to “merge filth and beauty like no one,” and I have to say I agree.
Outcry plays with melodies in this playful new original, “Skydancer.” The Australian producer lets a lively melody carry throughout the song, though he toys with stutter effects and other variants on the lighthearted theme that carry through as hits of bass weaves in and out. “Skydancer” is a long time in the making, as Outcry notes in the track description that he’s been working on it for two and a half years.