Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 64
Dexter’s Beat Laboratory is a weekly collection of songs from DA managing editor 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.
Listen in playlist format here.
There’s something so intriguingly uplifting about this remix of Above & Beyond‘s “Happiness Amplified” with Richard Bedford. Josep takes the original’s infectious melody and amplifies it (pardon the pun) with a guitar riff that adds a whole new level to an already incredible track. Bedford’s optimistic vocals carry this compelling remix in a powerful way, as it transforms from a trance track to a progressive rock-inspired rework.
warner case‘s good time heart dance arrived just a few days ago, featuring two tracks primed for both easy listening and the dance floor. After delivering “good time” in September with Zak Downtown, the New York artist returns in full force to shore up the full EP via the lighthearted “heart dance.” This one is highlighted by spunky horn stabs and an irresistibly groovy beat. Spencer Ludwig lends his vocals to the EP’s second track, launching “heart dance” into its full funky potential.
Hidden Face isn’t messing around on his latest pieces of work. The Parisian artist has been diving deep into the melancholy dance music realm, channeling ZHU-like vibes with his mystery-shrouded melodies. His newest, “You Don’t Know,” is another dominant display of his style. A minimalist bouncing beat contrasts with vocals that call out, “you don’t know.” Hidden Face takes the time to let each note sink in, and that’s perhaps part of what makes his style so compelling.
Hillsdom and Novokan3 make their return to Pilot Records with a two-part collection of drum & bass goodies. “Obsession” and “Colours” impeccably showcase their style of drum & bass: laid-back and packed with emotion. In “Obsession,” they create a mellow atmosphere that features warped, wonky synths and emotive vocals. A mid-song interlude takes a break from percussion to deliver a smooth-gliding melody before then ramping back up into a rapid drum & bass rhythm.
This. Goes. So. Hard. Known for his well-crafted soundscapes, Au5 takes on Detroit industrial artist Celldweller‘s “Eon.” This seven-minute venture rattles the ribcage with its grinding dubstep elements, intensified by Celldweller’s screamo interludes. Fondly dubbed “metalstep” by a SoundCloud commenter, this classification seems to fit this heavy hybrid perfectly. Both artists’ otherworldly styles mesh incredibly in this remix, highlighting the best of each of their talents. Color me impressed.