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Rocking the Stage: A Review of Northern State's High-Energy Live Covers at The Castle

Writer's picture: jacklwalshjacklwalsh

February has arrived. The start of a brand-new month. So, how would you choose to spend your night? A film night with friends? A romantic date? Or, like me, did you find yourself in the heart of Accrington, packed into The Castle pub, ready for an electrifying night with the unstoppable force that is Northern State? I know my answer.


Kicking off in 2019, Northern State has been tearing through the North, leaving its mark on every venue they play. Armed with an arsenal of timeless classics, they take to the stage with one goal: to bring high-energy, no-nonsense rock 'n' roll to the masses. Whether it’s Oasis, The Smiths, Arctic Monkeys, or The Undertones, they’ve mastered the art of delivering hit after hit, transforming an ordinary night into an unforgettable experience.

And on this particular night, they were in no mood to hold back.


Northern State live at The Castle

With two powerhouse sets and an encore in their arsenal, Northern State wasted no time in igniting the night. Frontman Mike Williamson had the crowd on their feet from the very first note, launching straight into the unmistakable hit of "Take Me Out". The Franz Ferdinand classic sent energy surging through the room, with voices belting out every word and an undeniable hunger for more.

As the first set reached its climax with "Teenage Dirtbag" and "Sally Cinnamon", there was no sign of slowing down. The audience was hooked, their voices louder, their energy higher. They didn’t just want more.. they needed it.

So, how do you keep that fire burning? By throwing fuel straight onto it. Kicking off Set Two with "I Predict a Riot" by Kaiser Chiefs was a stroke of genius. It was chaos in the best way possible! A sea of bouncing bodies, fists in the air, and beer flying as the chorus erupted. Thankfully, my camera was locked onto the crowd at this moment, capturing scenes of pure, uninhibited mayhem.

But a crowd doesn’t reach this fever pitch on its own. Northern State made it happen. Their ability to channel raw passion, infectious energy, and timeless anthems into a performance is what sets them apart. And as the night raged on, it became clear this was more than just a gig. This was a celebration of everything live music should be.


Northern State live at The Castle

So, how do you close out a night as special as this? That was the question lingering in the air as the final chords of Mr. Brightside rang out, the crowd still buzzing, craving just one more song.

There was only one answer. One song that could bring the night to a euphoric, hands-in-the-air, voices-united climax.

"Don’t Look Back In Anger".

From the very first note, the entire room erupted. Drinks were raised, arms wrapped around shoulders, and every voice in the venue became one, belting out every lyric with a passion that could rival even the biggest stadium crowds.

A perfect, goosebump-inducing send-off to a night packed with energy, nostalgia, and unforgettable live music.

As the final notes faded, and the cheers echoed long after the band had left the stage, one thing was certain, Northern State had delivered again.


Northern State live at The Castle

Members:

Mike Williamson - Lead Singer

Carl Thompson - Bassist

James Blakeborough - Guitarist

Connor Birtwistle - Drummer


Northern State - Facebook


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