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.
In his Landscapes & Dimensions album earlier this year, Hungarian producer Aeron Aether showcased his production prowess through a diverse series of tracks. About halfway through the compilation, he switched gears from ethereal, dreamy soundscapes to an energetic drum & bass song that caught my ear. “Pusaar,” like the rest of the album’s tracks, builds beautifully, dropping the listener into a dramatic fast-paced rhythm just a little after the minute mark.
In the second Silk Music release of this playlist, we have the latest from Jay FM: an elegant progressive house tune from his brand new Timeless EP. This six-minute venture is a meditatively peaceful piece, led by a graceful synth melody and accompanying piano. Periodic vocals assert the emotive qualities of “Good Times,” ensuring its listeners are taken on an introspective journey.
In April 2014, Au5 released a heavy track called “Reiteration.” His galactic wubs and expert sound design wowed in this production — so much so that he’s revived it for a VIP rendition for 2018. The Colorado producer shines in this powerful mix of dubstep and drum & bass, bringing “Reiteration” into 2018 with a burst of energy and vibrancy.
Hoodboi‘s seven-track Breathing Room EP is just days old . Throughout the EP, he brings on exceptional collaborators that bring diverse elements to the already-stellar collection of songs. “Drowning” with Djemba Djemba and Julius is a personal favorite from this EP. Beautiful harmonies and complementary synths weave a colorful web of emotion, making “Drowning” a clear standout for me.
For his latest, Dion Timmer has stepped away from rowdy dubstep and into a light, upbeat original perfectly primed for the high energy of the soundtrack it’s featured on: Rocket League x Monstercat Vol. 3. Since first listen, the infectious melody has echoed in my head, and I continue to be impressed with the quality of releases coming from the Dutch producer.
