Dexter's Beat Laboratory Vol. 89
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.
In celebrating the return of Skrillex and Boys Noize‘s Dog Blood project in late March, Grabbitz has taken on the task of flipping “Turn Off The Lights.” Grabbitz cranks up the intensity on this take of the pair’s first offering since 2014, speeding up the intro and leading straight into a glitchy, distorted drop. With its simultaneously fun and heavy atmosphere, this feisty but brief flip is sure to make its rounds at festivals this summer.
One of the reigning kings of anthemic drum ‘n’ bass has returned with his first offering of the year, “Devotion.” Dimension has linked with the talented Cameron Hayes for this latest single, building a sinister drum ‘n’ bass instrumental around her powerful vocals. These two are a force to be reckoned with, and what they’ve created in “Devotion” is pure energy from start to finish.
While we’re on the topic of drum ‘n’ bass power ballads, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tip my hat to Koven‘s latest. Katie Boyle and Max Rowat have composed a truly mighty piece in their latest single for Liquicity. Boyle gives her heart and soul to this song, and it’s readily apparent in every line she belts. The combination of her vocals and authoritative instrumentals is goosebump-inducing, and I love it.
The world saw just one bit of new material from Timecop1983 last year in the form of “Back To You” (which was brilliant, by the way), and the ’80s-inspired producer has now returned with a new single, “My Delorean.” The Dutch producer has teamed up with fellow ’80s enthusiast Primo for the beautifully emotive tune, which tugs at listeners’ heartstrings with nostalgic synths and dreamy vocals.
SIGMA follow up their end-of-March release, “Here We Go Again,” with a merry remix from Just Kiddin. Where the former UK duo chose a breezy pop-oriented feel for their original, the latter UK duo have opted for a more dance floor-ready rendition. A bouncing house beat makes this tune even more infectious, and a fun, filtered twist on Louisa‘s vocals makes this remix one worth hitting “repeat” on many times.
