Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 99
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. Stay tuned for next week’s special Vol. 100 edition!
Last Island and Alex Martyn are a match made in heaven. Their new joint endeavor, “Miles Away,” recently debuted on their own Island Life collective. The tune got its start from a simple jungle sample, and the two artists then built the song around it. It’s effortlessly groovy and makes for the perfect summer anthem with its funky guitar and drifting vocals.
Liquicity Records‘ Reflections compilation came out last month, but many of the collection’s songs are still making their way onto SoundCloud. One of these is Dualistic‘s remix of Edlan‘s “Dreamcatcher.” Dualistic has put a beautiful spin on this already-otherworldly song, allowing the listener to float above the earth on a cloud of melodic drum ‘n’ bass.
Netsky has teamed up with t1r to prepare his latest sun-soaked tune to hit the festival stage. The two producers have opted to remix Jon Lemmon’s “It’s Gonna Be Alright”—something Auckland producer t1r calls “a definite career highlight.” This lighthearted remix focuses on Lemmon’s vocals, as the two producers complement his voice with subtle dance production.
Marc Madness recently unloaded a moody retrowave tune by the name of “1986,” hearkening back to the ’80s with its wistful guitar riffs and forceful vocals. Its dark and mysterious atmosphere takes the listener on a journey through the night, enhancing the mood with racing synths. The Polish producer holds nothing back here, and it’s thrilling to hear.
July 12 brings with it the arrival of Tycho‘s new album, Weather. It’s a gorgeous, contemplative venture comprised of previously released tracks like April’s “Easy” and May’s “Pink & Blue.” The album’s eighth and final track shares its name with the LP and is a perfect summation of the compilation with its breezy, relaxing melodies and beats.