Dexter's Beat Laboratory Vol. 83
Dexter’s Beat Laboratory Vol. 83
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.
Dutch producer Edlan has been making a name for himself through a variety of Liquicity works over the past few years. Most recently, he’s taken to the label to release his new EP, Go Back Home. The four-track collection offers a diverse blend of his drum & bass production, opening with a dramatic first track that shares the EP’s title. Edlan’s tapped MVE and Neil Hollyn to set the tone for the compilation, and the result is a track that’s peaceful and packed with emotion.
Dabin‘s sophomore album, Wild Youth, made its debut on March 22, showing the full range of his growth since his Two Hearts LP in 2017. On nearly all of the new album’s 10 tracks, Dabin’s collaborated with a slew of talented producers, including Kansas City’s Essenger. These two combined create an emotive force to be reckoned with. They’ve created a melodic piece called “Home” that’s layered with powerful vocals and heavenly piano melodies, tugging constantly at listeners’ heartstrings over the course of the song.
Just before the official start of spring, Mat Zo unleashed some warm-weather music his new Tracing Steps EP. The Mad Zoo release is comprised of three tracks, plus an extended cut of the previously released “Deep Inside.” In the EP’s opener, “Tracing Steps,” the producer leads the unassuming listener through a sun-soaked introduction of merry string melodies and lighthearted vocals before an unexpected drop takes over. Mat Zo continues to captivate listeners with unpredictable twists and turns—all of the highest quality.
Scottish producer Last Island has taken to Washington D.C.-based label Montaime to release his latest endeavor, “Let’s Go Somewhere.” The new single is full of the ever-grooving melodies Last Island has become known for. Its spirited synth themes are ushered along by occasional clapping and a funky beat, giving the tune a simultaneously funky and laid-back vibe. He calls living on a remote island in Scotland “both a challenge and an inspiration,” but the inspiration is clear and present in his consistently dynamic releases.
Mysterious duo Far Out may be anonymous, but their music certainly isn’t. Their productions are routinely powerful, whether they’re releasing a Star Wars remix or taking on Daft Punk’s iconic “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger.” Their latest release is an original, though, creating “Strangers” from passionate female vocals and a healthy dose of bass on the drops. This melodic tune ebbs and flows beautifully and carries a strong message in its lyrics.
