Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 49
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.
Since its release in fall 2017, Slow Magic‘s “Wildfire” has received numerous remixes. The Float track has been flipped by the likes of Mielo, NΣΣT, and more — including the latest, from Airynore. This new rendition of “Wildfire” comes as a light, breezy song, highlighting the powerful, emotive vocals. Though the majority of the song lacks a percussion backbone, it’s illuminated by warm synths and intriguing piano melodies, making it calming and relaxing.
Monstercat mainstay Rogue has kept fans waiting since last fall for his next release — but it was worth the wait. His first release of 2018 on the Canadian label is “Mirage,” a melody-centric future bass track. The UK artist has been thrilling label listeners worldwide with his versatile production skills since 2012’s release with Tristam, “Pushed Away.” On “Mirage,” we see Rogue in his finest form: lending his own vocals over top of an irresistibly groovy synth melody.
I have Costa Rica’s Envision Festival to thank for my love and respect of Slynk. The gifted Australian producer flaunts insane mixing skills in his performances, and his original tracks are equally impressive. His latest comes from the 2018 Fractal Forest compilation and is called “Scrunched Up Faces.” This Westwood Recordings release radiates good vibes from start to finish, layered with funky guitar licks, lively flute melodies, and a substantial amount of bass along the way,
Bill Withers’ “Ain’t No Sunshine” has been remixed, covered, and redone in nearly every way imaginable. Nearly 50 years after the original’s release, artists are still drawn to its melancholy lyrics and haunting melody. Lido did a thrilling remix in 2014, and Jenaux adds his name to the list in a new cover with Andy Cooper. Jenaux’s mellow take on the iconic track is a minimalist approach, with Cooper’s vocals at center stage, backed by subtle guitar and wavy bass.
Few songs of late have matched the sheer eeriness of WAVEDASH and QUEST‘s “Devil Music.” The title track off the duo’s recent Mad Zoo EP features creepy vocals and unhealthy doses of bass, and has been remixed by label founder Mat Zo himself, along with label mate Shadient. Shadient doesn’t stray from the sinister atmosphere of the original, using the dramatic intro as a launchpad for his own rendition. He slows the track down considerably, honing in on hefty bass and letting it truly seep into his listeners’ ears.