The humble but generously-sized Cheese and Grain in Frome is the setting for tonight’s show, where the headline act are folk-punk legends the Levellers. The Brighton group’s music has always combined their more organic influences […]
‘Xhosa’ is a wonderfully rhythmic offering taken from ‘MOLO’ a brand new 4-track EP by the Damon Albarn-led project Africa Express. This song features the Blur/Gorillaz legend’s unmistakable tones, while other tracks on the EP […]
Another wondrous track taken from The KVB’s latest album ‘Only Now Forever’. The gorgeous, otherworldly ‘Violet Noon’ ventures down calming, ethereal avenues, glowing with a sad beauty as it slows down the pace. Its blissful, […]
The Welsh anti-folk collective Quiet Marauder have just unveiled their excellent new single ‘What What Happened To Science?’ a bold track taken from their upcoming third LP ‘The Crack And What It Meant’. The album […]
The four members of Blur came together once again on Friday night (29 March) at Leytonstone. The surprise performance was part of the Africa Express gig held by Damon Albarn as part of the Waltham […]
Slaves have released a video for their storming new single ‘Bugs’. Unmistakably British punk, the sort that spits in your face as soon as it hits your ears. This is exactly the sort of thing […]
One of THE bands to watch in 2019, with this addictive hit of frantically rhythmic post-punk creating much anticipation and excitement for what is to come from this fascinating musical unit. Squid are a five-piece […]
British indie enthusiasts of the late 90’s may remember melodic Scottish quartet Astrid. This particular XS Noize writer became a fan years ago after hearing their charming single ‘Distance’ on Radio 1’s The Evening Session […]
The last few years have seen many classic records of the ’90s celebrate their 20 year anniversaries. One of these was the second Mansun album ‘Six’, originally issued back in September 1998, and reissued this […]
It’s almost impossible to believe it, but Blur’s sixth album ’13’ was released exactly 20 years ago today, on 15 March 1999. The late ’90s were a very interesting period in Blur’s career. Their self […]
Nine years after forming in 2010, the Derbyshire outfit Drenge have arrived at the point where they release that traditionally “difficult” third album. ‘Strange Creatures’ turns out to be their most fully-realised effort yet, and […]
Alternative music legend Babybird releases a new album ‘Happy Stupid Nothing’, on March 1 via Psycho Mafia Recordings. Described as “a dazzling collection of songs that will surprise many”, it’s the first Babybird material in […]
Since the high profile reunion of The Stone Roses in 2011, it’s been all too easy to forget how long it’s been since Ian Brown’s last solo album. Nearly ten years on from 2009’s My […]
To critics of the London band Toy (including myself) a few songs aside, there has often been something about their music that’s never quite clicked into place. However, after a four-year absence, the group’s fourth […]
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 […]
Unlike a lot of the bands from the mid 90’s, Ocean Colour Scene never split up and reformed, instead of ploughing on through the 2000s and releasing new albums every few years. Following a lukewarm reception to […]
Prolific as ever following two Gorillaz albums in the space of a year, the legend that is Damon Albarn has been in the studio with his supergroup that also features Clash bassist Paul Simonon, ex-Verve guitarist Simon Tong and renowned […]
Tonight is one of those nights where this reviewer wouldn’t want to be at any other gig in the world. A moment in time turned into a joyous, thrilling, life-affirming experience thanks to two of […]
After being captivated by The KVB’s incredible new album ‘Only Now Forever’, I discovered that they were playing in nearby Bristol. A gut feeling told me that I had to go and see them live. Tonight’s […]
I wasn’t expecting much from the new album by The Prodigy. Ever since the Essex group revolutionised both dance music and rock with their seminal 1997 album ‘Fat Of The Land’, they have struggled to hit […]