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  • ALBUM REVIEW: MOMO – Tum Tum Tum
  • Belfast TradFest Announces Landmark 2026 Programme Across 40 Venues
  • LIVE REVIEW: Mulatu Astatke Brings Ethio-Jazz Mastery To Meltdown Festival
  • Kingfishr Announce Belsonic Belfast Show And Major Outdoor Dates For 2027
  • Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care’ and Creative Independence | XS Noize Podcast #289
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  • News
        • Belfast TradFest
          News

          Belfast TradFest Announces Landmark 2026 Programme Across 40 Venues

          June 19, 2026

          Belfast TradFest has announced the full programme for its 2026 edition, which will take place from July 26 to August 2 across the city. The festival’s eighth edition will feature more than 1,000 artists across […]

          Kingfishr
          News

          Kingfishr Announce Belsonic Belfast Show And Major Outdoor Dates For 2027

          June 18, 2026

          Kingfishr have announced three major outdoor headline shows for 2027, including a Belfast Belsonic date. The Irish trio will play Belsonic in Belfast on June 11, 2027, before heading to Marlay Park in Dublin on […]

          EELS
          News

          EELS Announce New Album ‘Cookie Happened’ And Share ‘Cap In Hand’

          June 16, 2026

          EELS have announced their 16th studio album, Cookie Happened, set for release on October 16 via E Works / Play It Again Sam. Alongside the announcement, the band have shared the album’s first single, “Cap […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          MOMO - Tum Tum Tum
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: MOMO – Tum Tum Tum

          June 19, 2026

          London-based Brazilian multi-instrumentalist MOMO returns with Tum Tum Tum, an eight-track collection recorded live in South London. Twenty years and eight albums into his career, the record reflects an artist still in motion, refining his […]

          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 […]

        • 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: Mulatu Astatke Brings Ethio-Jazz Mastery To Meltdown Festival Credit: Pete Woodhead
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Mulatu Astatke Brings Ethio-Jazz Mastery To Meltdown Festival

          June 19, 2026

          It is often said that engineers become inventors because they possess the technical knowledge, discipline and imagination needed to turn ideas into functional realities. Mulatu Astatke’s story makes that connection feel especially apt. Born in […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Kamasi Washington Brings Spiritual Jazz Majesty To Meltdown Festival Credit: Pete Woodhead
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Kamasi Washington Brings Spiritual Jazz Majesty To Meltdown Festival

          June 16, 2026

          It has been a significant year for the Southbank Centre, which recently received a £10 million grant as part of its 75th birthday celebrations. Adding to that sense of occasion, Harry Styles was announced as […]

        • 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
        • Dea Matrona
          Podcast

          Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care’ and Creative Independence | XS Noize Podcast #289

          June 16, 2026

          Belfast rock duo Dea Matrona join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss their second album, Hate That I Care — a bold, more personal and self-assured new chapter for Mollie McGinn and […]

          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 […]

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Month: November 2025

Steve Lillywhite on the Making of “Fairytale of New York” | XS Noize Podcast #262
Podcast

Steve Lillywhite on Making “Fairytale of New York” with Kirsty MacColl & The Pogues | XS Noize Podcast #262

November 30, 2025 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by legendary producer Steve Lillywhite — the Grammy-winning studio mastermind behind iconic records by U2, The Rolling Stones, Talking Heads, The Smiths, The […]

Sugar - Copper Blue
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Sugar – Copper Blue: The Singles Collection

November 28, 2025 Darren Leach

For fans of Sugar – and for anyone who still feels the shockwave of Copper Blue more than three decades on – Copper Blue: The Singles Collection arrives as a dream artefact. Pressed across four […]

AI wife chat
Features 2

What Is an AI Wife Chat?

November 28, 2025 XS Noize

If you strip away all the buzzwords, AI wife chat is simply a personal AI companion that talks to you like a supportive partner and helper. Instead of chatting with a random bot that forgets […]

the cure
News

The Cure announce “The Show of a Lost World” — remixed, recut, remastered — arriving on Blu-ray & DVD this December

November 28, 2025 XS Noize

On 1st November 2024, The Cure released their widely acclaimed, now Grammy-nominated album Songs Of A Lost World. To mark the occasion, the band performed the album in full — for the first and only […]

Matt Cardle
News

Matt Cardle Returns with New Album ‘The Great Escape’ and First Single ‘Drinking Dreams’

November 27, 2025 XS Noize

‘The Great Escape’ cements Matt’s longevity as a recording artist in a career that now spans over 15 years, with record sales in excess of 3 million. Matt Cardle’s stunning four-octave vocal range made him […]

debdepan "Lovers & Others" EP
Album Reviews

REVIEW: debdepan “Lovers & Others” EP

November 27, 2025 Amanda Stock

In recent years, the vibrant seaside town of Margate has evolved into a heady blend of coastal charm and DIY creativity — a place where visual artists, musicians and free-thinking makers thrive. It’s the perfect […]

Saint Etienne
News

Saint Etienne Announce Farewell UK & Ireland Tour for September 2026

November 27, 2025 XS Noize

Saint Etienne played their first ever live show on 15 November 1990 at Heaven nightclub in London, just months after releasing their debut single ‘Only Love Can Break Your Heart’. Since then, they’ve appeared at […]

The Altered Hours
Podcast

The Altered Hours: Cathal Mac Gabhann on Their Stunning New Self-Titled Album | XS Noize Podcast #261

November 27, 2025 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by guitarist and songwriter Cathal Mac Gabhann from Cork alt-rock and shoegaze outfit The Altered Hours — one of Ireland’s most vital underground […]

Drowning Pool Ignite a Packed Rock City with a Heavy-Hitting Nottingham Show Credit: Alina Salihbekova
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Drowning Pool Ignite a Packed Rock City with a Heavy-Hitting Nottingham Show

November 25, 2025 Alina Salihbekova

One of America’s most successful heavy rock exports, Drowning Pool descended on Nottingham’s Rock City on November 19th with a set that hit like a wrecking ball. It was one of the busiest nights the […]

Paul Weller Announces 2026 Belfast Show at Custom House Square
News

Paul Weller Announces 2026 Belfast Show at Custom House Square

November 25, 2025 XS Noize

Across five decades, Paul Weller’s songs have become part of the fabric of British music — and on Wednesday 24th June 2026, he brings that remarkable catalogue to Custom House Square, Belfast, joined by special […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Gary Numan - 1,000: Live at the Electric Ballroom
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Gary Numan – 1,000: Live at the Electric Ballroom

November 25, 2025 Darren Leach

Captured during the third and final instalment of his sold-out 2023 residency, 1,000: Live at the Electric Ballroom finds Gary Numan in formidable form. Camden’s Electric Ballroom, steeped in the musical history of North London, […]

The Kooks
News

The Kooks Set for Custom House Square, Belfast as “Inside In / Inside Out” Turns 20

November 25, 2025 XS Noize

British indie icons The Kooks are pleased to announce their return to Belfast at Custom House Square on Saturday 4th July, celebrating 20 years of their generation-defining debut album Inside In / Inside Out as […]

The Beach Boys
News

The Beach Boys Announce Belfast Show Celebrating 60 Years of “Pet Sounds”

November 25, 2025 XS Noize

As The Beach Boys mark more than half a century of making music, the group continues to ride the crest of a wave unequalled in America’s musical history. The Beach Boys – who have become […]

Sex Pistols
News

Punk Legends Sex Pistols Team with Frank Carter for 50 Years of Punk – 2026 Headline Dates Announced

November 24, 2025 XS Noize

Punk titans Sex Pistols, featuring Frank Carter have announced headline shows for summer 2026, marking 50 years of punk. The original members of the Pistols Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock, will be joined […]

The Who
Features 2

Pinball Wizard: A Classic from The Who

November 24, 2025 XS Noize

The Who are an iconic band with some iconic songs, and one of their most lvoed is the classic Pinball Wizard released in 1969, as part of the rock opera Tommy. Telling the story of […]

Guns N’ Roses
News

Guns N’ Roses Announce 2026 World Tour — Dublin Show Confirmed for 10 June with Mammoth WVH

November 24, 2025 XS Noize

After a sprawling 2025 world tour that saw Guns N’ Roses return to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Latin America, the powerhouse rock icons have announced they will hit the road again in the […]

The Clause
Podcast

Pearce Macca: The Clause’s Rise and Debut Album “Victim of a Casual Thing” | XS Noize Podcast #260

November 23, 2025 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Pearce Macca — frontman of Birmingham indie-rockers The Clause, a band whose rise has become one of the most inspiring new stories […]

Aerosmith & Yungblud
Album Reviews

REVIEW: Aerosmith & Yungblud – One More Time EP

November 20, 2025 Darren Leach

The unlikely team-up of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry and Yorkshire’s punk-pop firebrand Yungblud has dropped a 5-track EP, One More Time. Four brand-new co-writes plus a glossy 2025 rework of “Back In the […]

Labrinth
News

Labrinth Ignites the Cosmic Opera Era with New Single “IMPLOSION”

November 20, 2025 XS Noize

Visionary artist, producer, and composer Labrinth returns with “IMPLOSION,” a pulse-racing new single that marks the next chapter of his upcoming album, Cosmic Opera: Act I, arriving January 30 via Columbia Records. A thunderous blend […]

Lily Allen
News

Lily Allen Returns with Her Biggest-Ever UK & Ireland Arena Tour — June 2026

November 20, 2025 XS Noize

The remarkable Lily Allen — whose acclaimed new album West End Girl has become a global sensation with over 150 million streams and a third consecutive Top 5 entry on the UK Albums Chart — […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

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