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  • The Black Keys share new track ‘Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire’ from upcoming album Peaches!
  • Muse announce new album ‘The Wow! Signal’ from space and share new single ‘Be With You’
  • Glen Hansard unveils live performance of ‘My Little Ruin’ ahead of new album release
  • The Afghan Whigs return with “House of I,” their first new release since 2022
  • The Wonder Stuff Announce 40th Anniversary UK Tour with Special Guests Inspiral Carpets
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • The Black Keys
          News

          The Black Keys share new track ‘Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire’ from upcoming album Peaches!

          March 20, 2026

          GRAMMY award-winning rock duo The Black Keys return with their new song, ‘Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire’. The new track serves as the latest preview for their upcoming album ‘Peaches!’ set for release on May […]

          muse
          News

          Muse announce new album ‘The Wow! Signal’ from space and share new single ‘Be With You’

          March 19, 2026

          Award-winning rock titans MUSE announce their forthcoming tenth studio album, The WOW! Signal, out June 26 via Warner Records – find the track list below. The announcement was truly out of this world, with MUSElaunching […]

          Glen Hansard
          News

          Glen Hansard unveils live performance of ‘My Little Ruin’ ahead of new album release

          March 19, 2026

          Glen Hansard has today shared the live performance video for ‘My Little Ruin’, the latest track to be taken from his forthcoming album, Don+t Settle – Transmissions East, which is out on Plateau / Secretly […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Prostitute – Attempted Martyr
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Prostitute – Attempted Martyr

          March 11, 2026

          After teasing listeners with a partial release last year, Michigan-based industrial/noise rock outfit Prostitute now formally unveil their debut album Attempted Martyr via Mute Records.  Formed around frontman Moe and drummer Andrew, Prostitute also features […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally

          March 6, 2026

          The moment has arrived at last for Harry Styles fans. Cool haircuts, ballet pumps, marathons, Italian cookery and an impeccably trousered appearance at the Brit Awards can all be set aside as HS4 has finally […]

        • 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: Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins Unite for War Child at London’s Emerald Theatre Credit Wiktoria Wolny
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins Unite for War Child at London’s Emerald Theatre

          February 26, 2026

          In the heart of London’s Embankment, the recently opened Emerald Theatre feels part The Great Gatsby, part Emerald City — lavish, theatrical and unapologetically opulent. The room glows in rich green tones and, with its […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London photos by Martin
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London

          February 21, 2026

          Of Monsters and Men first broke through in 2010 after winning Músíktilraunir, Iceland’s annual Battle of the Bands. That early victory propelled the then-emerging collective onto the international stage, leading to a European Border Breakers […]

        • 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// 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 […]

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland Credit: Becca McCaffrey
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland

          January 11, 2026

          Biffy Clyro put on a brilliant show at the 3Arena on Saturday, 10 January, delivering a set that was as heavy and intense as it was open and emotional. The sold-out Dublin crowd were treated […]

  • Gigs
        • Hans Zimmer
          Gigs

          Hans Zimmer: The ultimate fan’s guide

          August 27, 2025

          Hans Zimmer, the genius behind Hollywood’s most unforgettable scores, is back on tour with an electrifying live experience to share with his fans. From “Inception” to “Dune”, Zimmer is preparing to transform his soundscapes into […]

          Andrea Bocelli
          Gigs

          The ultimate fans guide to seeing Andrea Bocelli in Amsterdam

          August 21, 2025

          The Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, will be at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on March 29 and 30, 2026. The show will feature a mix of operatic tracks, pop songs, and classical repertoire. Bocelli is […]

          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 […]

  • Interviews
        • 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. […]

          Jordan Anthony
          Interviews

          Jordan Anthony on “Lost In LA”, Finding His Voice in LA & Dream Tour Plans

          February 10, 2026

          He may only be 20, but Perth-born, LA-based artist Jordan Anthony already has more experience within the music industry than many might expect. He was writing songs and playing instruments before he hit double digits, […]

          TAVE
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: TAVE Talks ‘Fly Away,’ Self-Discovery, and the Art of Letting Go

          November 11, 2025

          Rising artist TAVE has had an extraordinary journey — from earning a scholarship at just 13 and performing with some of music’s biggest names to now stepping into the spotlight with his deeply personal debut […]

  • Podcast
        • The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on Grief, Mental Health & ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
          Podcast

          The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276

          March 17, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with James Graham and Andy MacFarlane — the creative core of The Twilight Sad — to talk about their powerful sixth album It’s […]

          Damon Minchella | XS Noize Podcast #275
          Podcast

          Damon Minchella on Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller and ‘You’d Look Good on a Donkey’ | XS Noize Podcast #275

          March 11, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Damon Minchella — founder of Ocean Colour Scene, longtime bass player for Paul Weller, and collaborator with Richard Ashcroft — to talk […]

          Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
          Podcast

          Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274

          March 8, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with legendary U2 producer Steve Lillywhite to discuss his remarkable career working with the band and the creative process behind iconic albums including […]

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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
Big Joanie - Back Home
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Big Joanie – Back Home

November 6, 2022 Alex Hoggard

In 2018, Thurston Moore started his independent label Daydream Library Series solely to release Big Joanie’s critically acclaimed debut album Sistahs. Since then, the black feminist punk band have become known for their passionate live performances […]

Andy Bell – The Grounding Process 
Album Reviews

REVIEW: Andy Bell – The Grounding Process EP

November 4, 2022 Alex Hoggard

In February, Andy Bell released his second solo album Flicker to great acclaim. The 18-track double album was written almost as a conversation with his younger self, reflecting on the past while looking to the future and […]

Arctic Monkeys – The Car
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Arctic Monkeys – The Car

October 26, 2022 Alex Hoggard

It is difficult to believe that the album that shot Arctic Monkeys into the limelight, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, was released sixteen years ago. At the time of its release, […]

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Return of the Dream Canteen 
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Return of the Dream Canteen 

October 21, 2022 Alex Hoggard

Just six months after the release of their twelfth studio album, the lengthy Unlimited Love, the Red Hot Chili Peppers return with their thirteenth effort, the equally extensive Return of the Dream Canteen. The latest offering was […]

The Cult – Under The Midnight Sun
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Cult – Under The Midnight Sun

October 7, 2022 Alex Hoggard

While walking the grounds of the Provinssirock Festival, Ian Astbury found himself taking in the surreal experience of the ‘midnight sun’ during the summer months when the sun doesn’t set north of the Arctic Circle. […]

tim burgess
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Tim Burgess – Typical Music 

September 22, 2022 Alex Hoggard

Having enjoyed a thirty-two-year career, it’s entirely plausible to think that Charlatans’ frontman Tim Burgess may have exhausted the limits of his creative brain cells. Yet, if the last two years are to go by, […]

Parkway Drive
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Parkway Drive – Darker Still

September 8, 2022 Alex Hoggard

One of the key concepts behind Parkway Drive’s latest offering, Darker Still, is a Tom Waits quote that emblazons frontman Winston McCall’s refrigerator in his Byron Bay home; “I want beautiful melodies telling me terrible […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Painted Shield – Painted Shield 2
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Painted Shield – Painted Shield 2

May 27, 2022 Alex Hoggard

The Pandemic caused many established bands to rethink and adjust their writing and recording process to continue producing music. While in-person sessions were off the cards, modern technology allowed musicians to produce records without meeting. […]

FONTAINES D.C. announce their third album 'Skinty Fia' to be released on 22nd April 2
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Fontaines D.C. – Skinty Fia 

April 19, 2022 Alex Hoggard

Since Fontaines D.C. formed in Dublin in 2017, the five-piece have found widespread critical-acclaim, firstly through debut album Dogrel in 2019, before receiving a nomination for Best Rock Album at the Grammy Awards for 2020’s A Hero’s Death. […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Unlimited Love
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Red Hot Chili Peppers – Unlimited Love

April 6, 2022 Alex Hoggard

Nearly 40 years into their career, the twelfth studio album Unlimited Love sees the Red Hot Chili Peppers once again hone their trademark funk-rock sound. With guitarist John Frusciante rejoining the band, it sees what many […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Feeder - Torpedo
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Feeder – Torpedo

March 13, 2022 Alex Hoggard

In the lead up to 2020 Feeder were on something of a roll – 2017 saw the release of the bumper compilation The Best of Feeder, which reached number 10 on the UK Albums Chart, and […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Dashboard Confessional – All The Truth I Can Tell
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Dashboard Confessional – All The Truth I Can Tell

March 1, 2022 Alex Hoggard

Having been involved in a serious motorcycling accident in 2020, few could lament Chris Carrabba for being in a reflective mood. The Dashboard Confessional frontman has seen himself become a mainstay of the emo-pop genre, […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Eddie Vedder - Earthling
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Eddie Vedder – Earthling

February 10, 2022 Alex Hoggard

As such an intrinsic part of Pearl Jam, it is often difficult to think of Eddie Vedder as a solo artist. Indeed, his solo discography is not the largest, with two soundtrack recordings and 2011’s […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Andy Bell – Flicker
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Andy Bell – Flicker

February 6, 2022 Alex Hoggard

Although for many, it may have felt as though the world has been put on pause over the past couple of years, Ride’s Andy Bell has been a busy man; having made a successful debut […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Eels – Extreme Witchcraft
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Eels – Extreme Witchcraft

February 1, 2022 Alex Hoggard

Now into the fourth decade of recording with Eels, Mark Oliver Everett, often known as ‘E’, has built up a reputation for consistency in creating dependable rock records. Extreme Witchcraft is the fourteenth studio album […]

ALBUM REVIEW: alt-J – The Dream
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: alt-J – The Dream

January 30, 2022 Alex Hoggard

Ten years ago, alt-J shot to prominence with their Mercury Prize-winning debut album, An Awesome Wave, which laid the foundations for garnering an international following that has seen the band perform sell-out shows at venues […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

  • The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on Grief, Mental Health & ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
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