The North – Kendal Calling Live Review
The Woodlands Stage, Saturday August 1, 6pm
I caught the end of Bleech 9: 3’s set at the Calling Out stage, just before the deadly, dusty mosh pits escaped the tent. Clans of filthy fans parted separate ways to enjoy the numerous acts the festival still had to offer.
I made my way through the mystical path, encompassed with grand trees and lanterns. Once I was greeted with the Woodland stage, I noticed there was a nearby pop-up cafe, and a giant bird house that was adopted by free spirited festival goers and acoustic guitars.
The North have exploded within the indie music scene over the past year and have performed and supported a range of big and small bands in the business. Throughout 2026, The North has opened for The Futureheads, Basht, and played various festivals across the country. After gaining traction through their TikTok lives, Instagram reels, and unique sound, this group from Leeds is not slowing down yet.
The audience gradually grew throughout the set, which featured of a range of tracks from their latest EP, ‘Coming of Age’, and a few unreleased songs as well.
With fans belting out ‘Soundtrack Your Soul’ surrounded by their best mates truly encapsulated The Norths youthful sound and target market as their demographic are literally ‘coming of age’. Lads perched upon someone's shoulders with a pint in the air, as swarms of fans once again attacked the barrier.
The mosh pits began to open throughout ‘Can’t Sleep’, and the frenzy soon became more vibrant with emotion.
‘Tubes’, ‘Eyelashes’ and ‘Daydream Rioting’ all came before The Norths latest release, ‘Wallow’, (which was still unreleased during Kendal). Their dedicated fans adored this track and continued to sing in unison with lead singer, Billy Memphis.
This was my first time seeing The North perform with their new bass player after founding member, Macca Boylan, recently departed from the band. Although it’s surprising Boylan left while the band is rapidly growing in popularity, his replacement is also a fine performer.
After putting on a great show that was short but sweet, some fans we’re left marginally disappointed as their favourite track, ‘She’, was missing from the setlist.
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