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  • ALBUM REVIEW: Wolf Alice – The Clearing
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  • News
        • Oasis
          News

          Oasis release ‘Bring It Down (Live From Edinburgh 9 August ’25)’

          August 22, 2025

          Ahead of beginning their sold-out run of shows in North America, Oasis release ‘Bring It On Down (Live from Edinburgh, 9 August ‘25).’ The track was recorded on Saturday 9th August at the second of […]

          Kings of Leon
          News

          Kings of Leon Drop New Single “We’re Onto Something” Featuring Zach Bryan

          August 22, 2025

          GRAMMY Award®-winning, multi-platinum rock band Kings of Leon have released new single, “We’re Onto Something” featuring Zach Bryan, via Love Tap Records, the band’s own imprint distributed by Virgin Records. Last weekend, Zach Bryan joined Kings of Leon on […]

          Suede
          News

          Suede Reveal 2026 UK Tour in Support of Antidepressants After Southbank Sell-Out

          August 22, 2025

          Suede have announced a UK tour for 2026 that will see the band take their highly-anticipated tenth studio album, Antidepressants on the road for the first time. Access is available to an exclusive fan tour presale from Wednesday […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Wolf Alice – The Clearing
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Wolf Alice – The Clearing

          August 25, 2025

          Four years after their Brit Award-winning Blue Weekend gave them their first UK No. 1, Wolf Alice return with The Clearing—an album that feels less like a follow-up and more like a hard-earned arrival. Rather […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Deftones - Private Music
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Deftones – Private Music

          August 21, 2025

          It has taken five years for new Deftones music, the longest gap between studio albums for the Sacramento, California-based alternative metal icons, but now they return with the outstandingly atmospheric offering Private Music. However, things […]

        • 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: RAYE – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: RAYE – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End

          August 25, 2025

          RAYE may have narrowly missed out on the 2023 Mercury Prize for her debut My 21st Century Blues, but her sweep of six BRIT Awards the following year more than confirmed her as one of […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Barry Can’t Swim – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Barry Can’t Swim – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End

          August 25, 2025

          All Points East has always prided itself on curating a forward-thinking electronic bill, and this year was no exception. Chase & Status set Victoria Park alight with their trademark mix of drum ’n’ bass and […]

        • 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// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square © Bernie McAllister
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square

          August 17, 2025

          Putting the Fast in Belfast 7 once again proved why it has become a staple of the city’s summer music calendar. A packed Custom House Square buzzed with anticipation as fans from across generations gathered […]

          IN FOCUS// Bryan Adams Brings Joy and Nostalgia to Leeds on ‘Roll With the Punches’ Tour Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Bryan Adams Brings Joy and Nostalgia to Leeds on ‘Roll With the Punches’ Tour

          May 20, 2025

          Legendary Canadian rocker Bryan Adams brought his unstoppable energy to Leeds on May 10th as part of his Roll With the Punches tour — and it was nothing short of a euphoric celebration of life, […]

  • Gigs
        • Eros Ramazzotti
          Gigs

          Eros Ramazzotti: Dates, venues, tickets and more

          August 18, 2025

          To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his breakout single, “Una Storia Importante”, Eros Ramazzotti will be performing live on some of the grandest stages across Europe, Latin America, and North America. Ramazzotti is a world-renowned […]

          Tokio Hotel
          Gigs

          Everything you need to know about seeing Tokio Hotel perform in London

          August 16, 2025

          Get ready for an electrifying performance as the German rock band Tokio Hotel will begin their 2026 global run with a show at the iconic OVO Hydro Arena in London. Tokio Hotel is a German […]

          Lady Gaga
          Gigs

          Possible setlist for Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball Tour show in London

          August 13, 2025

          The enigmatic Lady Gaga is redefining the art of live performance with her highly anticipated Mayhem Ball Tour which began in July 2025. This is her first arena tour since 2018, bringing a theatrical, gothic-inspired […]

  • Interviews
        • Asha Maclean
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Asha Maclean on Her Single “Yoga,” Creative Roots, and Staying True to Herself

          June 25, 2025

          Asha Maclean grew up in a deeply creative household, so it’s little surprise that she emerged as a multitalented artist in her own right. Immersed in music and dance from a young age, she first […]

          DURAN DURAN
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Roger Taylor on the Rhythm of Duran Duran: Hits, Influences & Life on the Road

          June 19, 2025

          John Kearns talks to Duran Duran –  The Duran Duran European summer tour is now in full swing. The DD truck has already rolled into cities such as Antwerp, Amsterdam and Rome and will continue […]

          Stephen Moore
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Stephen Moore on Post Death Soundtrack’s New Album & HE IS ME

          June 12, 2025

          Post Death Soundtrack, the musical project of Stephen Moore, recently unveiled his fifth album, IN ALL MY NIGHTMARES I AM ALONE, a 30-track collection of songs ranging across the stylistic spectrum, including rock, Gothic rock, […]

  • Podcast
        • Matt Berninger (The National) on His New Solo Album ‘Get Sunk’ | XS Noize Podcast #241
          Podcasts

          The National’s Matt Berninger on His New Solo Album ‘Get Sunk’ & European Tour | XS Noize Podcast #241

          August 20, 2025

          In Episode #241 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Matt Berninger — frontman of The National and acclaimed solo artist — about his brand-new album Get Sunk. Best known for his […]

          The Subways
          Podcasts

          The Subways: 20 Years of ‘Young For Eternity’ & What’s Next | XS Noize Podcast #240

          August 13, 2025

          In Episode #240 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Billy Lunn and Charlotte Cooper,  from The Subways, to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album Young For Eternity and the […]

          XS Noize Podcast #239 – Bob Stanley on Saint Etienne’s final album International
          Podcasts

          Bob Stanley on Saint Etienne’s Final Album “International” and 30 Years of Music | XS Noize Podcast #239

          August 6, 2025

          In Episode #239 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Bob Stanley from Saint Etienne to discuss the legendary band’s 13th and final album, International. For over 30 years, Saint Etienne have […]

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  • Alex Hoggard

Articles by Alex Hoggard

Xsnoize Author
Alex Hoggard
Having started about music by reviewing live performances for Pearl Jam fansites, led to writing for the band's official website which led to writing gig and album reviews for a number of music sites and local newspapers. Enjoying an eclectic taste in genres has been found to relieve the stresses of following Hull Kingston Rovers RLFC!Favourite bands/artists include; Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Brad, The Levellers, Stone Roses, Oasis, Harvey Danger, London Grammar, Ride & Manic Street Preachers to name but a few! Favourite album: Yield - Pearl Jam.
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ALBUM REVIEW: Deftones - Private Music
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Deftones – Private Music

August 21, 2025 Alex Hoggard

It has taken five years for new Deftones music, the longest gap between studio albums for the Sacramento, California-based alternative metal icons, but now they return with the outstandingly atmospheric offering Private Music. However, things […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Who - Live At The Oval 1971
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Who – Live At The Oval 1971

August 21, 2025 Alex Hoggard

On the 18th of September 1971, The Who took to the stage at The Oval cricket ground in South London to headline ‘Goodbye Summer: A Rock Concert in aid of Famine Relief for the People […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers - Critical Thinking
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers – Critical Thinking

February 13, 2025 Alex Hoggard

The fifteenth studio album from Manic Street Preachers, Critical Thinking, finds the legendary Welsh band laying a positive soundscape while introspectively questioning life through the lyrics. The band have tapped into their influences, ranging from […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The National - Rome
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The National – Rome

December 12, 2024 Alex Hoggard

The National is often described as a band “you must see live.” Those who have not been fortunate enough to see them in the past can now experience the band’s performances through new enthralling live […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Dale Crover - Glossolalia
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Dale Crover – Glossolalia

September 11, 2024 Alex Hoggard

Dale Crover was already well assured of a place in musical history long before he embarked on a solo career. Having initially been recruited from an Iron Maiden cover band, Crover has served as the […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Redd Kross - Redd Kross
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Redd Kross – Redd Kross

June 27, 2024 Alex Hoggard

The eighth full-length studio album from Red Kross provides a bumper eighteen stellar rock tracks, and what better way to celebrate your band’s 45th anniversary than by releasing a self-titled double album? Brothers Jeff and […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Pearl Jam – Dark Matter
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Pearl Jam – Dark Matter

April 18, 2024 Alex Hoggard

When Pearl Jam premiered Dark Matter at an exclusive listening event in January, frontman Eddie Vedder made a big claim – “this is our best work yet”. The remark raised a few eyebrows, particularly as […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Slow Pulp - Yard
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Slow Pulp – Yard

October 2, 2023 Alex Hoggard

The sophomore effort from Slow Pulp, Yard, builds on the hugely promising groundwork laid by their fine debut effort Moveys, which was released in 2020. Yard continues the themes of introspective reflection, only this time […]

Explosions In The Sky - End
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Explosions In The Sky – End

September 14, 2023 Alex Hoggard

In April this year, when Explosions in the Sky announced their first North American tour since 2019, the excitement was matched with a sense of worry that it would be their last as it was […]

Grian Chatten - Chaos For The Fly
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Grian Chatten – Chaos For The Fly

June 28, 2023 Alex Hoggard

In the last four years since their debut album Dogrel, Fontaines D.C. have enormously impacted the post-punk scene. Their debut received a Mercury Prize nomination, then a year later, A Hero’s Death earned a Grammy […]

Far From Saints
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Far From Saints – Far From Saints

June 18, 2023 Alex Hoggard

Far From Saints sees Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics team up with Patty Lynn and Dwight Baker of The Wind and The Wave to present an album that successfully freewheels through genres from country to […]

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds - Council Skies
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds – Council Skies

June 1, 2023 Alex Hoggard

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds return for the first time in six years with Council Skies. The long-awaited return sees Noel Gallagher successfully make numerous stylistic changes while contemplating a range of emotions to piece […]

Blondshell
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Blondshell – Blondshell 

April 6, 2023 Alex Hoggard

The debut eponymous album from Blondshell offers a compelling journey through nine tracks of self-discovery and reflection sprinkled with humour and memorable lyricism to provide one of the most promising debuts of 2023. 25-year-old Sabrina […]

Neutral Milk Hotel
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Neutral Milk Hotel – The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel

February 22, 2023 Alex Hoggard

The Collected Works of Neutral Milk Hotel is an almost exhaustive recorded history of Jeff Mangum’s esteemed band Neutral Milk Hotel. The boxset is compiled of four 12” LPs, two 10” records and three 7” […]

Shame – Food for Worms
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Shame – Food for Worms

February 22, 2023 Alex Hoggard

The South London five-piece Shame return with their third album, Food for Worms, which marks a departure from their previous efforts. Moving away from their post-punk beginnings, the band have tapped into their eclectic range […]

Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Yo La Tengo – This Stupid World

February 9, 2023 Alex Hoggard

Now in their fourth decade as a band, indie rock trio Yo La Tengo understand the intricacies of time. On their first LP since 2018, This Stupid World, the group debates the passing of time, […]

The Waeve
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Waeve – The Waeve

February 2, 2023 Alex Hoggard

The Waeve sees Blur‘s Graham Coxon team up with Rose Elinor Dougall, of The Pipettes, to release their debut eponymous collection of ten songs that travel through genres. Elements of jazz, punk and rock combine […]

Fucked Up – One Day
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Fucked Up – One Day

January 28, 2023 Alex Hoggard

Throughout their three decades of existence, Fucked Up haven’t built up a reputation for doing things on a small scale. From enormous concept albums to twelve-hour performances, it’s obvious they like to take their time. […]

The Subways
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Subways – Uncertain Joys

January 12, 2023 Alex Hoggard

After an extended hiatus of eight years, The Subways are back with their fifth studio album, Uncertain Joys, a record of driving riffs and catchy choruses. This time, there is a different look to the […]

David Bowie – Divine Symmetry
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: David Bowie – Divine Symmetry

November 24, 2022 Alex Hoggard

The year 1971 proved defining for David Bowie; having become a father for the first time, he signed a record deal with RCA before going on to meet Andy Warhol, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed […]

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