By Azzam Bilal 
HangupsMusic.com – Manchester, the rainy, industrial heart of North West England, has long served as a crucible for some of the most influential sounds in electronic music history. From the early days of the Haçienda to the contemporary mastery of the "Mancunian soul" movement, the city has a unique ability to produce artists who blend grit with grace. Among the most compelling voices currently navigating this intersection is Note, a producer whose meticulous approach to drum and bass has earned him a prestigious seat at the table of The North Quarter. His latest offering, the sophisticated and deeply emotive EP titled "…the thing with feathers", serves as his second major statement for the label, and it is a work that transcends the standard expectations of a short-form release, offering instead a cinematic journey through sound, memory, and melody.
The title of the EP itself invites a certain level of intellectual and emotional engagement. Borrowed from the famous opening lines of Emily Dickinson’s poem—"‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers / That perches in the soul"—the name suggests a project rooted in resilience and the ethereal nature of human aspiration. In an era where electronic music can often feel clinical or purely functional for the dancefloor, Note leans into the poetic, crafting a six-track odyssey that prioritizes atmosphere and narrative arc. This is not merely a collection of club tools; it is a cohesive body of work designed for deep listening, reflecting the ethos of The North Quarter, a label founded by Lenzman that has become synonymous with the "soulful" end of the drum and bass spectrum.
The journey begins with "Late," an ambient introduction that functions less as a track and more as a portal. It is a masterclass in restraint, using shimmering textures and soft, undulating pads to reset the listener’s palate. This choice to open with a teasing, atmospheric piece speaks to Note’s confidence as a composer. He is not in a rush to hit the listener with a heavy breakbeat; instead, he allows the space to expand, building a sense of anticipation that makes the eventual arrival of the rhythm all the more impactful. "Late" sets a cinematic tone, suggesting that what follows is a story rather than just a sequence of rhythms.
As "Late" fades, it gives way to "Multitudes," a track that arguably defines the EP’s sonic identity. Here, Note demonstrates his ability to balance contrasting forces. The track rolls in with a thoughtful, deliberate construction, featuring a driving energy that is undeniably suited for a high-end sound system. Yet, beneath the crisp percussion and the forward-leaning bassline lies a profound sense of saudade—that uniquely Portuguese term for a melancholic longing for something or someone lost. This emotional complexity is Note’s signature. "Multitudes" manages to be both uplifting and heartbreaking simultaneously, utilizing lush harmonic layers and a rolling groove that feels both modern and timeless. It is a track that honors the heritage of liquid drum and bass while pushing the sub-genre into more nuanced, orchestral territories.
One of the standout elements of "…the thing with feathers" is Note’s expert curation of vocal talent. Rather than treating vocalists as mere topline providers, he integrates their voices into the very fabric of the production. The EP features a stream of contributors who each bring a distinct flavor to the project. The angelic tones of MNQ provide a celestial quality to the arrangements, while the powerful presence of Mark Menzies adds a layer of soul-stirring gravitas. These collaborations feel organic, born of a shared musical language rather than a transactional industry "feature."
The midpoint of the EP marks a shift in tempo and temperament. With "Sunday Rains," Note enlists the talents of fellow Mancunian Meme Gold, an artist whose reputation for blending soul, jazz, and spoken word has made her a vital figure in the city’s creative scene. On this track, Note "taps the brakes," slowing the momentum to allow for a more introspective, downtempo vibe. Meme Gold shines in this environment, her voice acting as a warm beacon amidst the cool, rainy textures of the production. It is a highlight moment that captures the essence of a quiet afternoon in Manchester—reflective, slightly somber, but undeniably beautiful. The synergy between Note’s production and Meme Gold’s delivery creates a track that feels lived-in and authentic, a rare feat in the often-polished world of electronic soul.
Following the intimacy of "Sunday Rains," the EP moves into "Too Soon," featuring the vocalist LAOD. This track is a masterclass in the "shuffler" style—a jazzy, soulful excursion characterized by its intricate, swinging percussion and buoyant bass movement. LAOD’s contribution complements the production perfectly, offering a vocal performance that feels like a natural extension of the instruments. The track is light on its feet, evoking the spirit of classic jazz-inflected drum and bass while maintaining a crisp, contemporary edge. It is the kind of track that works just as well in a boutique lounge as it would in the early hours of a specialized underground club.
Technically, the EP is a triumph of sound design. Note’s use of space is particularly noteworthy; he understands that what is left out of a track is often just as important as what is included. The drums are mixed with a tactile quality—the snares have a woody snap, and the hi-hats shimmer with a natural metallic ring. The low end is handled with the expertise of someone who knows how to fill a room without overwhelming the delicate melodic work happening in the mid and high frequencies. This balance ensures that even the most high-energy moments of the EP retain a sense of sophistication and clarity.
The North Quarter has always been a label that prizes the "human" element of electronic music, and Note’s second EP is perhaps the perfect embodiment of that philosophy. There is a warmth to these recordings that suggests the presence of a real person behind the machines—someone who is grappling with themes of hope, loss, and the passage of time. By referencing Dickinson and leaning into the concept of saudade, Note has created a work that feels intellectually stimulating without ever becoming inaccessible.
Whether experienced as a sequence of standalone singles or as a continuous, gapless journey, "…the thing with feathers" stands as a superb return for Note. It reinforces his position as one of the most thoughtful producers in the current landscape and highlights the enduring strength of the Manchester-to-Amsterdam connection fostered by The North Quarter. As the final notes of the EP dissipate, the listener is left with a lingering sense of that "feathered thing" called hope—a testament to Note’s ability to translate complex human emotions into the language of the drum and the bass. In a fast-moving digital world, this is music that demands you slow down, listen closely, and feel everything.