Dexter’s Beat Laboratory is a weekly collection of songs from DA music editor and staff writer 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.
San Francisco producer Spencer Brown has been thrilling audiences with his ethereal progressive house style for years. Most recently, he’s released his debut album, Illusion of Perfection. One of the tracks, “Nightwalk,” perfectly conveys the subtle mystery of late nights and early hours of the morning. “This song was directly inspired by walks around the Marina Green (near the Golden Gate Bridge) in San Francisco very late at night near the end of last year,” Brown says of the song. “There is something spiritual for me about walks at 3 a.m. or 4 a.m.; I love the stillness, tranquility, and feeling that the entire landscape is yours.”
The fiery drum & bass coming out of Liquicity Records lately has been so inspiring. One of the label’s latest, a fervent collaboration between Madface, MC Coppa and Meditat1on, is a clear standout for 2018 on the Dutch label. “What It Looks Like” unites the talents of three countries (Czech Republic, United Kingdom and Italy, respectively) for a dynamic drum & bass tune that shines with intense vocals from MC Coppa and stellar production from the Madface and Meditat1on.
Disco Fries are typically the bringers of funk. On the heels of the groovy DF EP on Enhanced in November, the duo have opted for a change of pace in their latest release. “The Cut” shows a more intense side of the New York producers, as they layer on hefty bass and mysterious Middle Eastern-influenced melodies. With booming bass and an intense beat, “The Cut” shows there’s nothing these two can’t do.
A Nitro Fun release is always an adventure. The Mexican producer opens his latest release, “Time Goes By,” with a bold blast of ’80s-style synths (think Van Halen’s “Jump”) and an immediately addicting melody. He hooks the listener from the get-go, leading them into a formidable dosage of bass and a cacophony of glitchy, computerized synths. “Time Goes By” is a full demonstration of the breadth of the Monstercat artist’s production, and it’s a beauty to behold.
Unlike Pluto has spent the last few years establishing himself as an unquestionably versatile artist. With releases that have varied from a collaboration with Seven Lions to a cover of TLC‘s “No Scrubs,” the Los Angeles producer has made it known that each release will be an entirely fresh experience. Earlier this week, he released the first song in a collection he’s called the Pluto Tapes. With a laidback feel, impeccable harmonies and elements of dance music poking through, “Run, Bobby, Run” is an intriguing addition to his music arsenal.
Source: dancingastronaut.com
