It seems a little astonishing to think it has been a full three years since their debut, the enticingly haunting whispers of Romy Croft and Oliver Sim demonstrated a desperately evocative LP, which touched the hearts of most and helped delicately remove the clothes of many. It may be three years since we were first seduced by The xx, but seek one person that’s grown tired of that enchanting self-titled LP and I dare say you’ll fail to do so. While the Mercury Prize winners have... Read more »
REVIEW: Grimes At HMV Ritz
September 11th, 2012 
DanielSavage It’s fair to say that there are a lot of people interested in Grimes right now. Currently on her UK tour she came to the HMV Ritz in Manchester on 30th August to showcase just why that interest is deserved. Such is the pull of this young Canadian that there was a pretty hefty queue outside the venue from early on, forcing stage times to be put back from the start to ensure everyone was inside in time for her performance. Support came from Becoming Real who... Read more »
NORTHERN NOISE VS: Jim Noir
September 8th, 2012 DanielSavage With this amazing summer of sport just coming to a close, we decided we'd be part of the Olympic Legacy. So when we had the chance to interview Jim Noir (musician, gentleman) ahead of his album launch at The Deaf Institute in October (get tickets here) we decided it was time to add a sporting element. Armed with a travel sized Connect 4 (we couldn't find a bigger one) we trooped into Manchester. After a few stretches and a warm up, the games began. Here's the... Read more »
COMPETITION: Win a St George’s Day movie poster signed by director Frank Harper and star Keeley Hazell
September 7th, 2012 SimonBland Any football fans knocking about? How about film fanatics? Aah good, because we've got just the thing for you. To celebrate the theatrical release of the new Brit crime thriller St George's Day we're offering Northern Noise readers the chance to get their mitts on some swanky signed swag. What's more, it's well easy to be in with a chance of winning. Directed by (and starring) Frank Harper, St George's Day tells the gritty tale of two cockney gangsters who find themselves in hot water after... Read more »
WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT: Civilians
September 6th, 2012 DanielSavage Here at Northern Noise we like new music. To be fair it is our job. You come here to read about new music (whether it's from old or new bands) and you come to our gigs to hear it live. This new regular feature will take a band that is reasonably fresh in the Northern music scene, and gives them the opportunity to communicate directly to you, the potential fan. They get to say in their own words who they are and why you should give them... Read more »
