Under the expert tutelage of multi-talented label boss and soul-supplier Lenzman, homegrown Dutch label The North Quarter has firmly established itself as the premier location for soulful, vocal, liquid-infused drum & bass, never afraid of diverging into their foundational hip hop, funk and downtempo influences, as well as cherished dips into the more weighty, rolling corners of the 174bpm sound and beyond. Formed in 2016, their roster is a globetrekking ode to the musical artform TNQ call home; Lenzman, Redeyes, FD, Satl, Anile, Echo Brown, Tokyo Prose and Submorphics, plus shining vocalists and micmen Fox, Dan Stezo and Abnormal Sleepz, all have honed their sublime art on the imprint. Close friends and guests to the label have included Children of Zeus, iamddb, Myth, KinKai, Akemi Fox and [ K S R ], adding to that quintessential family feel; this is the ethos of the always consistent TNQ. With a fresh, groundbreaking aesthetic and artstyle, luxurious LP’s and full length albums, emotionally educatory EPs, thoughtful, diverse compilations like ‘Quarter to Quarter’ & ‘NQ State of Mind’ and events all over the world; The North Quarter is truly a unique, once-in-a-lifetime musical phenomenon.
Review: An sporting tale of collaboration, fusion and football: the TNQ All Stars are a collective of key artists from Lenzman's stable The North Quarter such as FD, Satl, Redeyes and Submorphics (to name but a few). Not credited individually and rolling as one unit, vibing off the moment and each other's ideas, each track took seed in an undisclosed location near where football legends Ruud Gullit and Frank Rijkaard first met. Laced with vocals from key TNQ songsmiths Steo and Fox, the end result is a unique but seamless and fluid set that really shines with the label's spirit. Ranging from the sweetest of soul to much darker, driving roll-outs, this is beautiful story from one of the most inspiring labels active in dnb right now.
Review: Following the release 'Kilburn' last summer, Zero T and his piano virtuoso neighbour Onj continue to soundtrack and document the vibes and history of their north west London cultural melting pot with 'Kilburn Park'. Album in size, and a feast in terms of scope and range, the flavours range from high grade neo soul and jazzy broken beat to the finale D&B slappers and smoulder sessions. With remixes from various Co-Op members such as newcomer James Rudie and bruk OG Mark Force (from Bugz In The Attic) this is an exciting development for Lenzman's label as he is now highlighting and nurturing the type of influences that The North Quarter has always been inspired by... Exceptional, organic and deeply soulful. Zero T and Onj have created something truly special here.
Review: Polish talent Satl returns to Lenzman's label The North Quarter with his most accomplished and wide-armed bodies of work so far. Taking us on a trip through his influences and widescreen musical vision, the album stretches from full-on technoid D&B ('Hard Times') to bubbling, twisted funk ('Werk It') via smouldering, unclassifiable dark soul ('Ride Or Die') and dreamy breakbeats ('Standing By') With many other sides to his sound revealed throughout, this is an exceptional and very impressive album.
Review: Having previously appeared on the label's 'NQ State Of Mind' a while back, Sam Binary makes his full release debut on Lenzman's label The North Quarter with 'Reality Slip'. As with all releases on TNQ, the variety and scope of the release is massive as we're slapped silly with seven crucial breakbeat assaults. Each cut rolling with a great sense of old school charm, highlights include the Good Looking flavours and feels of 'Travelling Somewhere', the barbed soul of the Deviant-featured 'Want U' and the deep UKG finale 'The Shroud'. What an EP and proper label debut - we're looking forward to hearing more from Sam on The North Quarter in the future.
Review: The people's champion FD returns to Lenzman's HQ with four more supreme pieces. Each one flexing hard around the FD spectrum, we got every flavour you need right here... 'Shawn Kemp' is a real blaster jam with a rugged, crisp bass riff, 'Mama Told Me' sends us off to bed without tea for skanking too hard to Hella's prominent bars while 'Double Drizzle' is the consummate bubbler with its tubular bass glide and jazzy keys. Last but most definitely not least 'Sails' eases us back to earth with its silky soulful flow. The 'Pleasure' is ours.
Review: Everybody needs good neighbours... And they don't come much better than Zero T and his pianist neighbour Onj. The pair had been living next door to each other for years without even knowing each other, now, thanks to a local situation, they're writing whole albums together. As always with Zero T, the vibes are set at the highest possible flavours and range from soulful to savage at the flick of a switch. Blind pianist Onj is new to D&B production but clearly knows the vibe and articulates his musicianship over the breaks tastefully, skilfully and perfectly. Featuring vocalists such as the legendary Ursula Rucker, Steo and T-Man (to name but a few), this is a class body of work delivered in that elegant way that only The North Quarter knows how.
Review: The North Quarter's second mix project is headed by two of the label's leading artists: Redeyes & Fox. The Amsterdam-based label believes that the mixtape is an important symbol in the formative years of many artists and seeks to continue the beloved tradition. Featuring a bunch of TNQ exclusives, there's a whopping 31 tracks across NQ State Of Mind, Vol. 2, featuring premium material by the likes of Alexx A-Game, Echo Brown, Satl, Submotive and many more plus a continuous mix by Redeyes & Fox. Join the label in celebrating five years in the business and the artists that make the label the respected entity it is today.
Review: Veteran producer Ben Tyrone makes his debut on Amsterdam's The North Quarter with Hurt Index, which the Newcastle native recorded over a two year period and he challenged himself to step out of his comfort zone. Tyrone explains 'the entire process has in a way been very cathartic, sort of like a spring clean for the brain.' From the high-tech neurofunk of "Come Closer" and "Untitled Matrix", to the intelligent drum and bass roller "City Lights" and ending with the emotive steppa "Misconceptions" - here's a bespoke six track statement of where this talented producer is at right now.
Review: Calling all DJs and getaway drivers alike! Prolific groove wizard Zero T continues his rich vein of form with 'Off Broadway' and there's a strong twang of 70s New York underworld to a few of the tracks. 'Drama' set the scene with little jazzy echoes and a groove grubbier than Giuliani. It's backed by plenty more dramatic moments; 'You're The One' is a sultry lesson in restraint, 'Something Got Me' tickles the 4 Hero spot with its slinky double bassline and dubby beat effects, 'She Moves' is pure summertime spring while 'This Condition' is a whirling cosmic dervish. And that's not even the whole EP. What happens 'Off Broadway' stays 'Off Broadway.'
Review: This album from Fox manages to be both long overdue and perfectly timed, as the veteran MC caps off several years of superb features on The North Quarter with a sumptuous, expertly curated long player that touches on a myriad of personal, creative and aesthetic milestones. It's a coup of an album, and it begins with an utterly brilliant, vintage FD beat, 'Just Chillin''. Blind Mic takes the MC centre stage as Fox flutters in the background, providing the subtle depth that adds to FD's nonchalant, windows-open liquid roller that smacks of summertime festivals, afternoon car journeys and Friday feelings. It paves the way for an opening half which nails the liquid formula, including a stunning feature from Calibre and DRS. In the second half, the stylistic diversity underpinning Lenzman's creative direction comes forward and things get mixed up, beginning with lounging hip-hop from Redeyes and moving into filthy tech from DLR & Alix Perez and halftime hammers from Echo Brown. This is the art of making an album being perfected in real time by Lenzman and Fox, and we're lucky enough to be along for the ride.
Review: An album from the Dutch master is always welcome, and A Little While Longer is Lenzman's latest foray into lounging, soulful drum and bass. It's world he leads, and all eight tracks on this LP ripple with the sophisticated funk and hip-hop influences him and his label are so known for. The first track, 'Lil Souljah', exemplifies this blend perfectly; a whimsical piano riff, a crunchy yet light set of rolling drums and a vocals perfectly peppered through the range by Slay, an MC who has been picking up serious steam in the scene these last few months. It's a team effort, as Danny Sanchez joins the melancholic euphoria of 'Gimmie A sec' and label regular Satl amps up the pressure on the sub-heavy 'Combo'. Another special album from a special producer.
Review: FD hides his ingenuity behind deceptively simple, stripped back productions. His music relies on the basics done unbelievably well and A Vision Of Hope is a six-track embodiment of how effective this method is, as he rolls things out with clarity in the percussion and high quality in the low frequencies. 'Hazmat' featuring Fox is a perfect example and the pair are a force to be reckoned with, as FD lays out an unbelievably crisp percussive basis for a bouncing, infectious bassline, both of which pair superbly with Fox's little-is-more approach to vocal magic. There's just a quality to this EP, it's organic and well-meaning but still tough and gutsy; the bassline on 'Vienna Circle' lopes in purposeful steps, but squirms with anger on 'Bully'. There are liquid notes on 'Here With Me' and an instrumental to rounds things off, North Quarter style. Sublime.
Review: Echo Brown is the newest addition to the North Quarter roster, and following appearances on label compilations, he is now appearing with a six-track EP in that signature long-form, North Quarter style. Struggles is diverse and comes with something for everyone, from the lounging hip-hop roller that is 'Affirmations' feat. KinKai, to the stripped back funk of 'So Good' and the stepping rap verses of 'Tug O War'. 'Love Won't Do' is our favourite, an Ivy Lab-esque percy of a deep one, with gentle, featherweight drums and a superb vocal sample that hangs above the instrumental in delightful fashion. 'Phenomena' rounds things out in choppy dancefloor fashion, and there's even an instrumental of 'Affirmations' to get your teeth stuck into. More amazing stuff from the Dutch crew.
Review: New kid on the block, Echo Brown, is following up his superb appearance on the recent NQ State of Mind LP with this single, Love Won't Do, which stretches across two tracks and shows off his versatility over a liquid beat. The title track is Ivy Lab-esque in its penetrating depth and sultry vocal layer, with torn basslines that ripple through the arrangement, and nostalgic ambience courtesy of beautifully nostalgic pad work. The flip sees KinKai, a vocalist who is becoming a regular on this label, sit above Echo Brown's stripped back and barebones rolling beat with urban aplomb. Lovely.
Review: The North Quarter is rounding out their 2020 with the first in a new Various Artists series: NQ State of Mind. We're assuming this name is a hat tip to Jay-z and Alicia Keys' NY State of Mind, and the focus on urban funk comes through clearly across this album's 10 tracks. It starts with the long-awaited Tokyo Prose remix of 'All My Life' by Satl, and Tokyo has stretched out Steo's incredible vocals over an elegantly simple piano riff and solid percussive basis, a timeless sound that gets right to the heart of what makes this label so good. Zero T gives his 2017 album cut 'Slightest Moment' the remix treatment, taking it up from hip-hop tempo to full drum & bass to form a rollicking, nonchalant roller which skips along with such purity of spirit you'll forget where you are. There's a superb original contribution from Redeyes with 'Original Soul', a stripped back remix of 'Late Night Jam' from Lenzman, and a dirty old school roller from Sam Binary. What an album.
Review: Satl is back on Lenzman's North Quarter with another fluid, rolling release that pushes the boundaries of liquid and merges them with darker, minimal touches. It's a wicked six tracks long, a necessary length given the considered nature of Satl's production, and the whole package has the cohesive art direction so fundamental to Lenzman's work on TNQ. It opens with 'Portal', which swims on arpeggiated synth nodes on intro before rolling out into a dark, twisted fantasy of gruff basslines and hostile atmospherics. 'Motor City Justice' is another highlight, featuring Submorphics, which is stripped back and deep in its approach, channeling the sounds of detroit techno with its chord progressions and analogue feel. The whole release is incredibly well put together and absolutely worth your time.
Review: Myth has been one of the scene's major success stories over the last 12 months. Known previously for his work as a part of Ill Truth, Jay has been killing it on the solo front by becoming known for a strictly stripped-back, jungle-focused approach to hard-hitting beats. This time around he's releasing on Lenzman's North Quarter imprint, who have moved away somewhat from their typical focus on dreamy liquid but have stayed firmly true to their commitment to organic, free-wheeling beats. 'Long Time' is quintissential Myth and packs serious smacks of Breakage in the drums and the structure'; the sampling is superb and the whole mix is clean, precise and devastating in the extreme. 'Reboot' rises up on a bed of funky sampling, before settling down into a loping, simple and yet masterfully effective bassline. It's a rough, raw and rambunctious release that relies only the bare minimum - perfection.
Review: The North Quarter's most consistent soul merchant is back with his third album on the label, and Selfportraits is another exercise in how to craft liquid drum & bass that's both velvet at its core and rough round the edges. There's bite behind the bliss, and Redeyes' expert use of samples and vocalists provides a human, hip-hop-infused attitude to a LP that's distinctly Redeyes. 'A Thousand Times' is the sing-a-long crowd pleaser and stands out simply for its exquisite marrying of [ K S R ]'s vocal perfection and a lusicous bed of instrumentation - a true ballad. The rest of the LP blurs into one as Redeyes nails the fine line of cohesion and repition, each track unique but part of a broader project. 'Carry Me Home' flies above a sultry piano riff; Monty joins on 'Belong' for a pacier offering; 'Delicate' has the best intro on the LP, with flowering jaunts of subtletly breathing themselves into the drop; 'Low Key' is a tad heavier, a dub-infused roller which still has plenty of soul; the LP finishes on the soft-spoken 'Change.Illusion', which is both upbeat and melancholic its rhetoric and its posture. Simply stunning.
Review: Redeyes has his third album on Lenzman's The North Quarter coming very soon and the first single is upon us. It's a double-sided number that serves up a double helping of rolling soul, and the Frenchman is starting to become truly unrivalled in his ability to gentle daub licks of sample-driven funk over a rolling basis. The A-side ropes in fellow France-based producer Monty, who is known for his work on Perez's 1985 Music, and the duo have joined their respective skillsets to superb effect; crisp drums and bubbling synths courtesy of Monty, and floating samples and wispy pads from Redeyes. The flip is classic North Quarter, as Mancunian MC [ K S R ] gets involved for an R&B-soaked, vocal-led soul ballad that moves and flows to the umpteenth degree. Unbeatable.
Review: Zero T has returned to Lenzman's The North Quarter imprint for his second full release on the label following Baby Grand several years ago, and he's doing so with a serious sense of purpose. Made up of five tracks that he wrote in order to capture the breadth of sounds he loves in the genre, Former Self starts off on a liquid tip with another gorgeous Steo collaboration, followed by a melancholic yet hopeful remix of Lonely Night by Mango x Mathman. Things then take a turn into tougher territory, as the Irish producer lays out an almost-jump up slew of force on 'I Want More', before rounding things out in true Bristol style with 'Clash' featuring Myth. Exceptional.
Review: Freddie Dixon AKA FD has been doing his thing across a variety of labels for some time now, but it's in the last couple of years, and under the tuterage of Lenzman's The North Quarter, that he's really begun to shine. Lanta Nights is a couple cuts of gorgeous liquid and then three bassy, naughty rollers that smash of dub and soundsystem culture. It's a potent blend, and Akemi Fox is especially fantastic on 'Lie To You', a lounging, hip-hop endeavour that rolls out with the nonchalance it deserves. It's a superb EP and capped off with The North Quarter's typically well-refined aesthetic. Fantastic.
Review: Lenzman's imprint serves up its first V/A right here with Quarter To Quarter. Featuring exclusive tracks from the likes of FD, LSB, Total Science, Kyrist, Tokyo Prose, Break, Zero T and so many more, it's a full spectrum representation of the label that ranges from sublime, sun-kissed soul such as Redeyes' "Lust", Atlantic Connection and Steo's "Night & Day" to bouncy, vocal high-vibe affairs such as Break's remix of "In My Mind". Along the way expect stunning strident, cosmic hypnotic workouts (Tokyo Prose - "Rescue"), dubby dreamers (Kyrist - "Untrue") unlikely rudeboy slappers (Total Science - "Killa") and every other authentic, genuinely crafted D&B sound you associate with the label. Quarter To Quarter ... No half measures.
Review: US-born, Netherlands-based soulful D&B nomad Greg Submorphics takes away to sunnier, more wholesome climes on this immaculate debut album. Gilded synths, hazy feels, stacks of woozy warmth, just the right balance of nostalgia; every cut ripples and flexes with a timeless liquid feel. The dusty horns on "Memories Of You", the velvet boogie, silky synths and syrupy dulcets of Big Brooklyn Red on "Daydreaming", the dreamy bounce of "Faded Images", the list goes on. As you'd expect from The North Quarter and Submorphics, everything about this album hits the spot. Close your eyes and think of better times...
Review: Toulouse soul man Julien Salvi returns to The North Quarter with another prize-fighting package of deep, authentic drum & bass. Opening with a smoky intro track that's more jazz than dancefloor, he slowly take us deeper and deeper down his D&B rabbit hole. Cuts like "Fine Again" and "Next To You" breeze with that sad poignant spacious feeling he's made his own in recent years while "Evergreen Dub" (with FD) reminds us of his darker rolling side and "The Rhythm" is a direct homage to the man like Marcus. Stunning through and through.
Review: Three varied cuts here from FD, a house producer with roots in London's jungle and garage scenes. 'Ribs' (feat Issac Rosie & Maverick Soul) is a very noq-sounding affair with insistent shakers, shimmering synths, barely-there party vox that drift in and out of the mix and a neat Rhodes-like piano line. 'Ribs (Interlude)' then drops the pace for 1:18 of downtempo ambience, before the Byron The Aquarius Mix of 'Ice Cream' blends shuffling deep house beats and soulful vox in a way that harks back to UKG's earliest days, its title perhaps a tribute to the seminal label of the same name?
Review: The North Quarter has rapidly become the premier destination for 170 sonics which tickle the soul as much as the eardrums, music which aims to speak on a more substantial creative level than most. Lenzman has now brought in Anile for the next chapter in that journey and boy, it's a stunner, 7 tracks of carefully considered, deft music which rolls out with a tangible sense of wistfulness. 'Earth & Mars' is a perfect example, a deliciously deep track that swirls in the low ends and soothes in the high ends, each second gorgeously precise but also noticeable carefree. There are acid vibes, summer vibes and winter vibes; lots of highs and lots of lows. It's a journey in itself and we absolutely love it.
Review: The full set is finally here... Having teased us with the surprise guerrilla drop of EP1, Tokyo Prose presents the entire 13 track album Wild Grace. And it's every bit as beautiful, touching and textured as the hype as foretold. From the emotional chords and halftime slink of opener "Ascension" to the last brushed drum jazzy breeze and amen wheeze of the finale "Gusts" and all vibes in between, the New Zealand artist has excelled himself. Other highlights include the long awaited "Trick Of The Light", the smouldering soul of "Runaway", the heart breaking pianos of "Innate Motion", sunset shakedown of "In The Breeze" and so much more. Once again The North Quarter have smashed this out of the park.
Review: Following the hugely successful launch last summer, Lenzman delivers another album-sized trove from his new brand The North Quarter. Once again he's in generous mode as eight tracks (including an intro skit and versions) flow like fine soul wine. From the silky dynamics of "In My Mind", where Manchester singer IAMDDB really flourishes with neo soul allure to the darker late night drive of the Jubei-featured "Park Hill" via the delicious smoky piano-lingering haze of the Steo-fronted "Tender Love", this is the sound of Lenzman in his element, relishing in his sound and vision at levels we've never seen before. The North Quarter is shaping up to be something really special.
Review: Leiden's Lenzman reps his Dutch section with a brand new label dedicated to the more soulful fringes of D&B and its rich hip-hop roots. Starting as he means to go on, the debut release weighs in at a hefty 10 tracks ranging from hurricane soul such as the beautiful vocal-flecked "Don't Let Go" and "Down For Whatever", restrained jazzy rolls ("Grateful") and potential tune of the year business with his own remix of Children Of Zeus's "Still Standing". With a cheeky serving of skits along the way, too, it's clear Lenzman is in his element right here.
Review: Oh boy, The North Quarter label is back in action and they mean business as usual with this Lenzman remix of "Still Standing" by Children Of Zeus. Remember Jenna G and her beautiful liquid strain of drum & bass back in the mid 2000s? Well, this tune is of that disposition, and we've been missing this kind of contemporary jungle form our charts. The breaks are fast, dusty but gentle at the same time, and DRS' lyrics float ever so well with the percussion and bass, but it's their fusion with Children Of Zeus' singing that really pleases us. A deep and cerebral d&b bombshell.
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