Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 96
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.
Grabbitz and Sullivan King‘s roots are firmly planted in rock ‘n’ roll, and their new Monstercat collaboration showcases that fact perfectly. “Crazy As You” manages to be simultaneously vulnerable and heavy, weaving seamlessly between Grabbitz’s emotive vocals and Sullivan Kings fiery guitar progressions. This song is inspiring, allowing both artists’ talents to shine in their rawest forms. Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged.
Ever in pursuit of a party, The Knocks have created a pristine summer tune called “Awa Ni.” Just in time for the longest day of the year, they’ve linked with Nigerian singer Kah-Lo for an easygoing, carefree single. The phrase “awa ni” roughly translates to “that’s us” in Yoruba, one of the native languages spoken in the city of Lagos, Nigeria, where Kah-Lo’s from. She said in a release that the beat The Knocks concocted “gave me the vibe of rolling around town back home with my friends” and made her want to write something about where she’s from. “Awa Ni” is the perfect result.
The countdown to Flite‘s Calm Before the Storm EP continues with the release of a new single, “Skywalker,” on Liquicity Records. The tune follows the debut single of the compilation, “Decisions,” which arrived a few weeks ago. Both songs are are impeccable examples of top-quality U.S. drum ‘n’ bass, as Flite continues his mission to bring such music to the States’ masses. “Skywalker” is a full-throttle launch into outer space, rocketing through its drum ‘n’ bass rhythm and gliding at a more graceful pace through interludes of twinkling melodies and soothing vocals.
BLOODTONE brings listeners back to earth with the release of “Already Dead,” an ominous techno endeavor that pounds furiously in listeners’ ears. Backed by a frenetic beat of the deepest bass, “Already Dead” drifts between melancholy piano melodies and eerie vocals chanting “already dead” that bleed into the corners of the brain. BLOODTONE continues to cement his dark and sinister style with captivating releases such as this one.
Horn connoisseur Alexander Lewis is back again with another trap-infused heater. He continues to make music that’s unpredictable and completely unique, opting this time to take a cinematic and orchestral approach. He described “Soar” perfectly in the song’s description: “‘Soar’ is an amalgamation of my influences from current movie scores and trap. It features three string players (recorded and layered to sound like a full orchestra) and eight brass players (two horns, two trumpets, four trombones). At the time of writing the song, ‘chaos’ was the only word to express how I was feeling, but when I had a final product it ended up being so much more than that. It represented/represents positive ways of dealing with chaos, and finding the beauty in it.”