Dexter's Beat Laboratory Vol. 60 – Dancing Astronaut

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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.

After becoming hooked on his tunes in 2014 “Dega Dega” on Mad Decent, I’ve kept my eye on Aquadrop. The producer seems to know no limits and can swap seamlessly between genres from one release to another. His latest, “Believe In Me,” is a sultry, electro-fueled number, highlighted by luscious vocals and a grooving bassline. It’s incredibly catchy and is part of the Italian producer’s Out Run mini EP.

Savoy’s been holding onto this treasure for a while and have finally released it to the world. “Treat Me Right,” a collaboration with vocalist Laura Reed, is afire with the dramatic elements of dubstep and electro the Brooklyn trio has become known for. The song is only their second release of the year — likely because two of the group’s members have been developing a new project called Jaguar Dreams. No matter what moniker the music’s under, though, these guys consistently make some of the most innovative “electronic rock music” in the game.

Mielo and Align have linked up to bring a gorgeously atmospheric track that’s reminiscent of ODESZA in its dreamy vocals and prominent percussion elements. It’s simultaneously calming and bass-heavy, bringing two worlds together in one collaboration. “James & I met freshman year while at rowing practice for The University of Iowa,” Mielo says of the song. “I had already started learning how to produce music & James was a huge fan of downtempo electronic music, so he soon began to pursue music. We’ve been friends ever since.”

Since its release in August, Netsky and A.CHAL‘s “Téquila Limonada” has been on repeat. Its fresh-squeezed flavor permeated my brain and stuck there, so my excitement only grew when I saw the track would be getting a reworking from UK drum & bass heavyweights The Prototypes. After it premiered on BBC Radio 1, the duo uploaded a cut of it to their SoundCloud, wowing with its anticipatory builds and rapid tempo. It’s a fun reimagining that gives some new flair to an already exceptional track.

In his latest offering, Kent’s Memtrix thrilled with a combination of enthralling melodies, infectious singing and a rapid drum & bass tempo. He holds nothing back, packing a punch filled with bass and vocals that draw the listeners in. “Dare Me” makes up part one of his newly released two track EP, which is out now Viper Records. Its counterpart, “Oxidate,” is equally dynamic, creating a journey that feels much much more epic than just two tracks.