Northside

Northside formed in Manchester in 1988 and were signed to Factory Records, the label that had also signed New Order, Happy Mondays, and James. The Factory connection placed them at the heart of the Madchester scene, and their debut single 'Shall We Take a Trip' (1990) was an immediate statement of intent — a euphoric, organ-driven piece of psychedelic pop that captured the spirit of the era perfectly.

The single was banned by the BBC due to its perceived drug references, which only increased its notoriety. 'My Rising Star' followed and was equally strong. Their debut album 'Chicken Rhythms' (1991) was a competent collection that showed the band's range, but the Madchester moment was already fading and Northside never achieved the commercial breakthrough that their early singles had suggested was possible.

The band split in 1992, leaving behind a small but perfectly formed catalogue. 'Shall We Take a Trip' remains a staple of Madchester compilations and a reminder of how joyful and inventive that scene could be at its best.