Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 108
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.
I really, really love Mamma Mia. It’s fabulous, and so is its soundtrack. In the rare moments when today’s electronic music scene acknowledges the greatness of ABBA, I rejoice. So this week, I rejoice in Kramder‘s “disco tool” edit of “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” It’s just way too fun.
Aero Chord‘s new EP, The Sound, arrived Sept. 12 via Monstercat, delivering four songs of broad sonic range. The collection’s title track bursts into the listeners’ ears with anthemic production, booming with powerful, trap-oriented goodness from start to finish.
Unexpected drum ‘n’ bass is the best drum ‘n’ bass. I certainly wasn’t expecting it when I saw Manic Focus had released his sixth studio album, but I was pleasantly surprised when the first track had a racing beat. “Star Sweeper” still contains many of the groovy, jammed out elements fans have come to expect from a Manic Focus track, but they’re incorporated in an unexpected way.
Duskus‘ new original is a relaxing piece, leading the listener to sonic bliss with a subdued beat and filtered vocals. The orchestral interlude brings a different form of calm, delivering an almost therapeutic sense of peace.
Direct and Matt Van are an iconic duo, consistently delivering impeccable sound design and production when they get together. Their newest, “Cold Ground,” is no different, bringing their fans a flawless, mellow experience. The artists seem to implore the listener to get lost in the passion they’ve put into their music, and it’s easy to do.