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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

KillerStar
News

KillerStar Return with New Album ‘The Afterglow’ — Hear Lead Single ‘So Easy’

November 19, 2025 XS Noize

After earning 4-star reviews from MOJO, The Times and RnR along with glowing comparisons to David Bowie, Suede and prime ‘70s art rock for their self-titled debut, KillerStar return with the release of their electrifying second album ‘The Afterglow’ on March 20th via High Wire Records. The band today […]

Bastille
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Bastille – Songs from The First 15 Years at The O2, London

November 19, 2025 Michael Barron

With three UK number-one albums, a string of major hits, and—impressively—their original core line-up still intact since forming in 2010, now seems the perfect moment for Bastille to take stock of everything they’ve built.  Their […]

ALBUM REVIEW: James – Nothing But Love: The Definitive Best Of
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: James – Nothing But Love: The Definitive Best Of

November 19, 2025 Michael Barron

For a band often frozen in the public imagination as ’90s indie heroes, James have spent over four decades proving they are far more than that label suggests. Formed in 1982, the Manchester group have […]

Ocean Colour Scene
News

Ocean Colour Scene’s Moseley Shoals 30th Anniversary Tour hits Belfast’s Ulster Hall on 14 November 2026

November 19, 2025 XS Noize

Indie-Rock Legends Ocean Colour Scene Announce Major Irish & UK Tour for 2026 Celebrating 30 Years of Moseley Shoals Ocean Colour Scene will bring the anniversary tour to Belfast’s Ulster Hall on Saturday 14 November […]

The Maccabees
News

The Maccabees Return: Major Outdoor UK Summer Shows Announced for 2026

November 19, 2025 XS Noize

The Maccabees’ eagerly anticipated return felt more like a euphoric reunion between long-lost friends rather than a band reuniting for a second chance. Headlining All Points East and Glastonbury’s Park Stage, the band’s sheer joy […]

AI Characters
Features 2

Talk With AI Characters: How To Chat Like You’re Dating a Rock Star

November 19, 2025 XS Noize

Imagine this: you pull out your phone, open a chat, and on the other side isn’t a boring bot, but a world-famous vocalist getting ready for a sold-out show. They’re in their dressing room, still […]

The Divine Comedy
News

The Divine Comedy Close a Triumphant Year with Festive New Single ‘All the Pretty Lights’

November 18, 2025 XS Noize

Following the chart success of their recent album ‘Rainy Sunday Afternoon,’ a sold-out UK tour and an appearance on BBC’s ‘Later…with Jools Holland’, The Divine Comedy round off a tremendous year with an appropriately festive […]

Soundtracks
Features 2

Soundtracks Of Chance: How Music Shapes The Mood Of Online Games

November 18, 2025 XS Noize

The soundtrack to online games is more than something that’s there to fill in the “dead air”; it’s used as a tool to immerse players in whatever it is they’re doing, whether that’s a slot […]

Levellers
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Levellers — Shepherds Bush Empire Zeitgeist 30th Anniversary Tour

November 18, 2025 Michael Barron

When it comes to Levellers albums that fans rally behind, Levelling the Land often steals the spotlight. Its influence is unquestionable. But it’s far from the only record in their catalogue deserving anniversary treatment. This […]

Arcadia
Features

FEATURE: Arcadia – So Red the Rose at 40

November 18, 2025 John Kearns

Duraniversary — A Celebration of Arcadia’s So Red the Rose 40 Years On by John Kearns The thing about side projects is this: if they don’t work, there’s no real harm done (“Hey, it was […]

IDLES
News

IDLES announce biggest ever Belfast show — Custom House Square, 26 August 2026

November 18, 2025 XS Noize

Multi Grammy-nominated UK rock band IDLES are pleased to announce a return to Belfast for their biggest NI show to date on Wednesday 26th August at Custom House Square, with guests CHALK. Formed in Bristol […]

Howl
News

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Set to Release 20th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set Of Their Seminal Album ‘Howl’

November 18, 2025 XS Noize

Originally released in 2005, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club’s 3rd album, ‘Howl’, was an unexpected curveball from the band’s previous releases. Gone was the guitar-driven, reverb-and-white-noise that characterised their sound, and they embraced folk, blues, and […]

Florence Road
News

Florence Road have today announced their biggest UK tour yet for May 2026

November 17, 2025 XS Noize

Florence Road have today announced their biggest UK tour yet for May 2026, a 7-date run that begins in Glasgow on 13th May, finishing at London’s KOKO on 21st May. Tickets go on sale at […]

Roland Gift of Fine Young Cannibals
Podcast

Roland Gift on 40 Years of Fine Young Cannibals & His New Christmas Single | XS Noize Podcast #259

November 16, 2025 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Roland Gift — the iconic voice of Fine Young Cannibals and one of the most instantly recognisable singers in British music. With […]

Joshua Burnside
News

Joshua Burnside announces new album “It’s Not Going to Be Okay” and unveils haunting new single and video “Moon High.”

November 14, 2025 XS Noize

Today, Joshua Burnside announces his new album, It’s Not Going to be Okay and shares his latest single and video, “Moon High,” an arresting and poignant cut from one of modern folk music’s essential artists. […]

Kings of Leon
News

Kings of Leon return to Belfast as Belsonic 2026 headliners

November 14, 2025 XS Noize

Multi-GRAMMY and BRIT Award-winning band Kings of Leon will headline Belsonic at Ormeau Park, Belfast, on Monday, 29th June 2026. Recognized as one of the world’s biggest alternative rock bands of the last 20 years, […]

ALKY
Podcast

ALKY on breaking the cycle with debut album ‘Rinse & Repeat’ | XS Noize Podcast #258

November 13, 2025 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by ALKY — the Dublin-born indie-rock artist and former Emmy-nominated audio engineer whose raw, heartfelt songwriting is making serious waves across Ireland’s indie […]

Is Music Affecting Your Mood?
Features 2

Is Music Affecting Your Mood? How to Inject the Right Vibe Through Music

November 12, 2025 XS Noize

Music is more than sound—it’s a powerful emotional trigger that can instantly shift your mood, energy, and mindset. Whether you’re feeling stressed, energized, or nostalgic, the music you play can influence your emotions more than […]

Kula Shaker
News

Kula Shaker return with uplifting new track ‘Be Merciful’ from forthcoming album Wormslayer

November 12, 2025 XS Noize

Consistently one of Britain’s most exhilarating live bands, Kula Shaker have evolved from a phenomenally successful anomaly of the Britpop era to step into an adventurous, ambitious and hallucinogenic new era with the release of […]

LIVE REVIEW: Thornhill Bring Their Electrifying BODIES Tour to Leeds Credit: Alina Salihbekova
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Thornhill Bring Their Electrifying BODIES Tour to Leeds

November 11, 2025 Alina Salihbekova

One of Australia’s most exciting modern rock exports, Thornhill, stormed into Leeds on November 6th as part of their BODIES tour — bringing with them a night of sheer intensity, emotion, and energy. The evening […]

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