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  • Razorlight Announce Belfast Show For ‘Razorlight’ 20th Anniversary Tour
  • Belfast Quartet Makeshift Art Bar Share New Single ‘Discipline’
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  • Brian Fallon Announces New Album ‘Not Bad For New Jersey’ And Shares New Single ‘Pearls’
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace – Avalanche
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Razorlight
          News

          Razorlight Announce Belfast Show For ‘Razorlight’ 20th Anniversary Tour

          June 12, 2026

          Razorlight will play The Telegraph Building, Belfast, on Sunday, December 13, 2026, as part of their Razorlight 20th anniversary tour. The UK and Ireland dates will celebrate 20 years since the release of the band’s […]

          Makeshift Art Bar
          News

          Belfast Quartet Makeshift Art Bar Share New Single ‘Discipline’

          June 11, 2026

          Belfast quartet Makeshift Art Bar have shared their new single “Discipline,” the second track to be taken from their forthcoming Marionette EP, out June 26 via Heist or Hit. The track follows April’s EP lead […]

          Spiritualized
          News

          Spiritualized Announce Rare Acoustic Mainlines UK Shows For December

          June 11, 2026

          Spiritualized have announced four rare Acoustic Mainlines shows in the UK this December, marking the 20th anniversary of their first-ever acoustic performances. The Acoustic Mainlines shows were originally conceived around the time of the making […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace - Avalanche
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace – Avalanche

          June 10, 2026

          For three decades, West Yorkshire’s finest have been a steadfast pillar of the British music scene. Celebrating their 30-year milestone in 2026, Embrace return with their highly anticipated ninth studio album, Avalanche. It’s a record […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Abrasive Trees – Light Remaining
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Abrasive Trees – Light Remaining

          June 3, 2026

          Death, grief and frazzled nerves conspire on an epic odyssey to the dark side Totnes experimentalists Abrasive Trees have long sailed choppy liminal seas between the living world and whatever lurks beyond it. Their debut […]

        • Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Y/N - Esther Yi
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Y/N – Esther Yi

          October 30, 2023

          K-Pop has reached an international audience. This year, BLACKPINK made history as the first K-pop band to headline a major UK festival at Hyde Park. The media’s coverage of BTS member’s enlistment into compulsory military […]

          BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes

          August 29, 2023

          How does one become qualified to write a fictional music novel? The author of Sophomore Songs offers some clues. Growing up reading NME, doing a stint at Clash, drumming for several bands on and off, and […]

        • Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 25: Looking back at the orphan child in U2's discography 2
          Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 26: Looking back at the orphan child in U2’s discography

          March 3, 2022

          In March of 1997, 26 years ago, U2 released their much anticipated ninth studio album POP; for fans and critics alike, it quickly became their most polarizing release. There is a prevailing feeling that POP […]

          CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran 2
          Album Reviews

          CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran

          June 17, 2021

          This week sees the 40th anniversary of Duran Duran’s self-titled debut album. XS Noize looks back on this momentous release from a band that would become the ‘Fab Five’ of the ‘80s. It was December […]

        • Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Midge Ure Delivers a Classy, Nostalgic Night at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Midge Ure Delivers a Classy, Nostalgic Night at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall

          June 4, 2026

          On May 30th, legendary Scottish musician and songwriter Midge Ure brought a nostalgic, polished and deeply enjoyable show to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall. The all-seated theatre was packed well before Ure and his band arrived […]

          Lone Assembly
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Lone Assembly bring dark synthpop and post-punk atmosphere to London’s MOTH Club

          May 27, 2026

          When a proposed property development threatened the future of the 300-capacity MOTH Club, the support to save it far exceeded the venue’s maximum attendance. Around 30,000 people signed a petition to protect the much-loved Hackney […]

        • Round Up

          XS Noize Best Albums of 2018
          Round Up

          XS Noize Best Albums of 2018

          December 22, 2018

          2018 has been an incredible year for albums. The year saw the strongest new acts in decades release their debuts, as well as a number of alternative legends returning to top form. The world of dance […]

          The Best Of October 2018 PLAYLIST + ROUND-UP
          Round Up

          The Best Of October 2018 PLAYLIST + ROUND-UP

          October 29, 2018

          Welcome to the October 2018 edition of our monthly new music playlist, which is available to listen to and watch via YouTube. If you enjoy any of the songs featured here, we encourage you to support […]

        • In Focus

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer) Credit: Marc Leach
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

          April 5, 2026

          As Storm Dave closed in on Northern Ireland, another storm was already gathering. Inside Limelight 2, Belfast, local metal titans Survivalist unleashed thunder of their own — a fitting backdrop for the release of their […]

          IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show Credit: Denise Esposito
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show

          February 6, 2026

          On 3 February, Ash returned to La Scala for a blistering, high-energy London show. Packed wall to wall, the venue buzzed as the trio tore through a career-spanning set, seamlessly weaving in new material from […]

  • Gigs
        • December 10
          Gigs

          December 10 announce Ulster Hall, Belfast show for July 20th 2026

          April 2, 2026

          Britain’s brand-new boyband December 10 today announce December 10: The Next Step– kicking off in Edinburgh on Friday 10 July and wrapping in Dublin on Tuesday 21 July. “We loved our Introducing! run of shows […]

          White Denim
          Gigs

          White Denim set for Belfast return with Limelight 2 headline show on August 27th 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Formed in 2006, for approaching 20 years White Denim has been celebrated for their fearless blend of garage rock, soul, jazz fusion, psychedelia, and experimental improvisation. Based for much of that time in Austin, though […]

          Tom Jones
          Gigs

          Tom Jones to Play Dublin & Belfast Headline Shows This August 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Legendary Welsh singer and performer Tom Jones has announced a return to Ireland with a headline show within the idyllic grounds of Palmerstown House Estate, just 20 minutes from Dublin City Centre on Sunday 09th […]

  • Interviews
        • Col Gerrard
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Col Gerrard on his self-titled debut, touring with Boyzlife and what comes next

          April 20, 2026

          London-born singer-songwriter Col Gerrard has loved music from an early age, and that passion shines throughout his self-titled debut album. Drawing on a range of influences, the record takes listeners on an emotional journey, with […]

          Ganser
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Alicia Gaines on the Architecture of Ganser and Discomfort by Design

          April 12, 2026

          Chicago’s underground has always thrived in the margins, and few bands embody that restless, art-driven spirit quite like Ganser. Formed in the city’s DIY circuit, the group have carved out a reputation for wiry, confrontational […]

          Elles Bailey
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’

          March 9, 2026

          Singer-songwriter Elles Bailey released her latest album, Can’t Take My Story Away, at the beginning of this year. Produced by Luke Potashnick, the album is deeply personal and quietly powerful—rooted in resilience, reflection, and self-ownership. […]

  • Podcast
        • Embrace
          Podcast

          Danny McNamara on Embrace’s New Album ‘Avalanche’ and Why Life Doesn’t Wait | XS Noize Podcast #288

          June 9, 2026

          Danny McNamara joins the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Embrace’s new album Avalanche, 30 years of the band, fatherhood, songwriting, The Good Will Out and why life doesn’t wait. […]

          The Hoosiers
          Podcast

          The Hoosiers on New Album ‘Compassion,’ Toxicity & Finding Joy Again | XS Noize Podcast #287

          June 2, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland from The Hoosiers. Irwin and Alan join Mark for a warm, funny and reflective conversation about […]

          robert arkins - the commitments
          Podcast

          Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286

          May 25, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Robert Arkins, best known to millions as Jimmy Rabbitte in Alan Parker’s classic 1991 film The Commitments. Robert joins Mark for […]

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Month: January 2021

ALBUM REVIEW: Bicep - Isles
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bicep – Isles

January 30, 2021 Kieran Brennan

Bicep strike a beautiful balance between epic, dense soundscapes and intricate production finesse on their new album Isles. The Belfast duo develops their sound from their eponymous debut, choosing richer thicker textures that capture the […]

RICKY WARWICK releases video for new single 'When Life Was Hard And Fast' 1
New Music

RICKY WARWICK releases video for new single ‘When Life Was Hard And Fast’

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

With just three weeks to go until the release of his first solo record in five years, Ricky Warwick has released the title track to ‘When Life Was Hard And Fast’ featuring none other than […]

KEAN FARRAR Shares New Single ‘Always Come Around’ - Produced by Platinum-certified hitmaker Stickle
New Music

KEAN FARRAR Shares New Single ‘Always Come Around’ – Produced by Platinum-certified hitmaker Stickle

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

Kean Farrar’s alternative R&B casts a magnetic allure on listeners. The 21-year-old has become an insider tip following a handful of underground tracks, earning praise from tastemakers and attention from the fashion world. The emergence […]

DANIEL DONSKOY shares new single ‘Bring Me Back My Smile’
New Music

DANIEL DONSKOY shares new single ‘Bring Me Back My Smile’

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

After just two tracks, ‘Robbed Me’ and ‘24’, Daniel Donskoy is earning acclaim for his take on electronic-infused R&B. Also renowned as an actor, most famously in the Netflix smash ‘The Crown’, he now shares […]

FLAWES share video for new single ‘Higher Than Before’
New Music

FLAWES share video for new single ‘Higher Than Before’

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

Consistently using their exuberant alt-pop to deliver a message of pure positivity, Flawes are a liberating experience at a time when it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the world around us. Factor in consistently inventive […]

PARIS YOUTH FOUNDATION share new single 'The Back Seat' - Listen Now!
New Music

PARIS YOUTH FOUNDATION share new single ‘The Back Seat’ – Listen Now!

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

The triumphant 2020 summer festival season they were made for melted before their eyes as they aborted last year’s touring mission, but five-piece tent-filling anthem makers, Paris Youth Foundation, restate their claim on those big […]

INTERVIEW: Stephen Street on working with The Smiths, Blur & Joining Bradford 2
Featured Interview

INTERVIEW: Stephen Street on working with The Smiths, Blur & Joining Bradford

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

Stephen Street is a legendary British music producer best known for his work with The Smiths, The Cranberries and Blur. Stephen also collaborated with Morrissey on his debut album Viva Hate following the split of […]

IDLES share new video for "Carcinogenic" - Live for Independent Venue Week 1
Gigs

IDLES share new video for “Carcinogenic” – Live for Independent Venue Week

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

Today, IDLES have shared a new video for album track “Carcinogenic”. Recorded live for Independent Venue Week, the video sees each of the band members performing the track from separate venues across their hometown of […]

SLEEPER release their “lost” album ‘This Time Tomorrow’ 2
Video Premiere

VIDEO PREMIERE: Sleeper – Tell Me Where You’re Going

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

This January, Sleeper release their “lost” album, ‘This Time Tomorrow’. The band’s 5th full-length studio album, and technically a prequel, the ten tracks were recorded between 1999 and 2000 in North London and finished in […]

TRACK PREMIERE: The Strangers Club - Suede
Exclusive!

TRACK PREMIERE: The Strangers Club – Suede

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

After a promising start to 2020, playing packed shows in London venues such as Brixton Jamm and Gigi’s Hoxton, as well as Bournemouth’s famous Sixty Million Postcards, to then almost radio silence due to the […]

VIDEO PREMIERE: LUMER - Another Day At The Zoo
Video Premiere

VIDEO PREMIERE: LUMER – Another Day At The Zoo

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

Yorkshire’s riotous post-punks, LUMER release their anticipated debut Disappearing Act EP today! XS Noize is pleased to exclusively premiere the video for ‘Another Day At The Zoo’ from the EP. In the years since forming, […]

ON THE TURNTABLE: Lankum - The Livelong Day
On The Turntable

ON THE TURNTABLE: Lankum – The Livelong Day

January 29, 2021 Sean Crossey

Short, sharp and frank reviews from a confessed vinyl junkie. I’ll be posting my most loved records and most recent purchases right here for your perusal every week. The fourth album from the Dublin natives […]

BOOK REVIEW: Willie Nelson: A Graphic History - T.J. Kirsch
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Willie Nelson: A Graphic History – T.J. Kirsch

January 29, 2021 Michael Barron

It’s hard to imagine a “wild” kid nicknamed “booger red” by his peers because he picked his “nose out of nervousness” rising to international acclaim in the music industry the way Willie Nelson did. Told […]

CASSIA release video for 'Powerlines' ahead of EP
New Music

CASSIA release video for ‘Powerlines’ ahead of EP

January 29, 2021 XS Noize

Cassia starts 2021 by treating us to their new ‘Powerlines’ EP, which features a brand new song in the shape of its title track. The EP is a sun-soaked collection which explores dealing with an […]

THE CORAL announce first, ever double-album 'Coral Island' and release 'Faceless Angel' 1
New Music

THE CORAL announce first, ever double-album ‘Coral Island’ and release ‘Faceless Angel’

January 28, 2021 XS Noize

The wheels rattle into the thrilling unknown on The Coral’s first new music since 2018, finding the unsurpassed, metamorphic gonzo-pop five-piece in the company of crooks, sell-by-date candyfloss and plastic skeletons as they release Faceless […]

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH shares new single 'CYHSY, 2005' from forthcoming album 'New Fragility' 4
Gigs

CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH shares new single ‘CYHSY, 2005’ from forthcoming album ‘New Fragility’

January 28, 2021 XS Noize

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah are excited to share “CYHSY, 2005” from their anticipated new album New Fragility (due February 12, 2021, via CYHSY / Secretly Distribution).  The driving, tuneful track explores the concept of […]

HELLO COSMOS unveil one final track 'Renegade Love' from debut album ‘Dream Harder’ - out 29 January 1
New Music

HELLO COSMOS unveil one final track ‘Renegade Love’ from debut album ‘Dream Harder’ – out 29 January

January 28, 2021 XS Noize

‘Dream Harder’, the acclaimed debut album by HELLO COSMOS impacts on 29 January. As the days count down to its release, the band today unveil one final track: “Renegade Love”. To celebrate its release on […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Arlo Parks - Collapsed in Sunbeams
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Arlo Parks – Collapsed in Sunbeams

January 28, 2021 Gareth O'Malley

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Arlo Parks has seen her career take off at speed – since making her bow with the Super Sad Generation EP in April of 2019, the London-based […]

KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD share video to new track, 'O.N.E.'
New Music

KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD share video to new track, ‘O.N.E.’

January 28, 2021 XS Noize

Having finished the end of last year with a stunning animated video for the previously unreleased If Not Now, Then When?, King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard have today dropped another brand new track, O.N.E. […]

VIDEO PREMIERE: VENUS GRRRLS - Goth Girl
Video Premiere

VIDEO PREMIERE: VENUS GRRRLS – Goth Girl

January 28, 2021 XS Noize

Starting 2021 as they mean to go on, Leeds alt-rockers VENUS GRRRLS are about to unveil a big statement of intent. The 5-piece real-talk “queens of riot” haven’t taken their foot off the gas lately, […]

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