Our New Noise show returned to Newcastle for a big, old knees-up

Over the past two years, we’ve been spotlighting some of the UK’s under-the-radar talents with our New Noise program, an event series dedicated to platforming local artists, offering FACE readers a killer night out gratis. We kicked things off in London at Covent Garden’s Stereo with performances from the likes of Finn Foxell, Felix Lee and BXKS, before moving things up north to Manchester’s premier club spot, Soup, earlier this month to showcase some prime Mancunian talent, such as Fixed Abode’s Rainy Miller and Steam Radio resident, Nora. Before that, we made our Newcastle debut in October, complete with gigs from The97Renn and (DJ) Imelda.

Fast forward a little, and, keeping things northbound, we landed back in Newcastle for another New Noise North party at the city’s industrial venue, The Grove. Linking up with Berghaus in their hometown, we set the former Victorian stables – sat under the shadow of the infamous Byker Wall and a stone’s throw from the Ouseburn nightlife hub – into a frenzy. The Grove’s MO? A multi-genre program and intimate settings specced to east Newcastle’s esoteric sensibilities. The expansive courtyard and a cocktail bar on the roof terrace for mid-rave chatter helps, of course.

In October we brought razor-sharp Luton rapper BXKS to the Toon, alongside the aforementioned locals for a deep dive into the Geordie underground. Now, with full-blown winter just around the corner, we escaped the cold and rain-flecked evening, warming things up with a fresh edition of New Noise North.

Igniting the night with a kinetic set of UK bass and techno dancefloor workouts, Life Glug​’s Product Toss and Hold Index​’s Lace Atone went back to back, setting the tone for an evening of bleeding-edge electronic music. Putting The Grove’s L‑Acoustics sound system to the test with rolling sub basses and heavyweight kicks, the duo dropped Mor Elian & Rhyw’s propulsive banger, Cowlick, at just the right moment, energising the crowd and priming them for more exploratory club sounds.

Taking to the stage enveloped in red light, Margate’s experimental pop icon BABii amped up the energy, captivating the audience with her uncompromising infusion of hyperpop, bassline and deconstructed club sounds. Hot on the heels of her 2024 album DareDeviil2000, BABii instantly commanded attention, spinning fan favourites and certified belters Tra$$$her and J0YR1D3. Descending from the stage, BABii moved to the floor, surrounded by the crowd and strobes. There, she dropped a maxed-out version of t.A.T.u’s noughties anthem, All the Things She Said, with a refrain of T2’s bassline earworm, Heartbroken. Class.

After brief pause to catch our breath, Shy Bairns’ residents Weston and Pip brought things back up to a boil to top off a stonking night, blasting pumping techno and playful house. Deftly switching things up, the B2B duo brought the ravey sensibility they’re renowned for, and the audience skanked out in return.

As the crowds returned to the cold embrace of nighttime in the North East, the New Noise North crew left The Grove with the familiar buzz and ringing ears of a top night. Here’s to the next one.