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  • Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, announces Belfast show
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta – Cut A Silhouette
  • Inspiral Carpets announce ‘Burn Like The Sun’ – their first studio album in 12 years
  • Faithless Announce Special Guests For CHSq Belfast Show With Phil Hartnoll, Justin Robertson & Marion Hawkes
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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Julian Marley
          News

          Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, announces Belfast show

          May 29, 2026

          Born in London, England on June 4, 1975, Julian Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Barbados-born Lucy Pounder. Growing up as a youth in a musical atmosphere, the Grammy Award Nominated […]

          Inspiral Carpets
          News

          Inspiral Carpets announce ‘Burn Like The Sun’ – their first studio album in 12 years

          May 29, 2026

          Inspiral Carpets announce Burn Like The Sun – their first studio album in 12 years, out January 29th, 2027 via Scruff of the Neck Records. The band have unveiled a special announcement video, narrated by […]

          Faithless
          News

          Faithless Announce Special Guests For CHSq Belfast Show With Phil Hartnoll, Justin Robertson & Marion Hawkes

          May 28, 2026

          Dance pioneers Faithless are back with their biggest Belfast headline show to date at Custom House Square on Thursday 20th August 2026, alongside very special guests, Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Justin Robertson and Marion Hawkes. Few […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta - Cut A Silhouette
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta – Cut A Silhouette

          May 29, 2026

          Having spent two decades parsing the shifting sands of alternative rock, it takes something genuinely striking to cut through the noise. Enter Sparta’s latest offering, Cut A Silhouette. Spanning ten tracks across an urgent 33 […]

          Mull Historical Society
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Mull Historical Society – In My Mind There’s a Photograph

          May 26, 2026

          For Mull Historical Society’s last album, Colin MacIntyre — who is, in essence, Mull Historical Society — invited acclaimed authors to write lyrics for his musical compositions. The result was 2023’s In My Mind There’s […]

        • 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

          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 […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Kiefer Sutherland proves his country credentials with a heartfelt Union Chapel performance
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Kiefer Sutherland proves his country credentials with a heartfelt Union Chapel performance

          May 14, 2026

          Kiefer Sutherland may be known across the world as an actor and producer, but on stage at Union Chapel, that part of his life felt almost beside the point. With his fourth album, Grey, due […]

        • 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
        • 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 […]

          Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
          Podcast

          Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285

          May 19, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot. Nerina joins Mark for a warm, honest and reflective conversation about her new career-spanning […]

          Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
          Podcast

          Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us

          May 12, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin of Broken Social Scene. Kevin and Charles join Mark for a warm, reflective and deeply human […]

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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.
Website
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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LATEST PODCASTS

  • robert arkins - the commitments
    Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286
    May 25, 2026
  • Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    May 19, 2026
  • Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
    Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us
    May 12, 2026
  • da Googie
    Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie and bringing immersive sound to Belfast | XS Noize Podcast #283
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  • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
    Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
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  • Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
    Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
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