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  • ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra
  • Electro Icons Kraftwerk Return: First UK Tour in Nearly a Decade – Belfast Waterfront Hall, May 18 2026
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’
  • Huartan Bring Award-Winning ‘Tradtronica’ Sound to Mandela Hall, Belfast – October 24th
  • Editors’ Tom Smith Shares New Single “Leave” from Forthcoming Solo Debut Album
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • KRAFTWERK
          News

          Electro Icons Kraftwerk Return: First UK Tour in Nearly a Decade – Belfast Waterfront Hall, May 18 2026

          October 3, 2025

          After recently completing a hugely successful worldwide concert tour including a festival-stealing appearance at Coachella, Kraftwerk legend Ralf Hütter is pleased to announce a new UK and Ireland tour for 2026, their first UK tour […]

          Huartan
          News

          Huartan Bring Award-Winning ‘Tradtronica’ Sound to Mandela Hall, Belfast – October 24th

          October 2, 2025

          Winners of the NI Music Prize 2024 Live Act of the Year, Belfast-based ‘tradtronica’ group Huartan have been breathing new life into ancient words and melodies. Since 2023, they have been captivating audiences with their […]

          tom smith
          News

          Editors’ Tom Smith Shares New Single “Leave” from Forthcoming Solo Debut Album

          October 1, 2025

          Editors front-person, Tom Smith, has today released “Leave”, the latest single from his forthcoming debut solo album, There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light which is released on Play It […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra

          October 3, 2025

          Perennial 90’s power-pop heroes Ash return this autumn with their ninth studio album, Ad Astra. Now well into their fourth decade together, Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray continue to show that their knack […]

          Idlewild
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’

          October 3, 2025

          The band’s tenth album is their first self-titled release, and it just so happens to be a collection of songs that reflects their majestic, melodic beauty. For a band to reach a tenth record is […]

        • 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: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles Credit: Triffin Constantine
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles

          September 22, 2025

          Sludge, prog, and post-metal band Baroness played an emotional set at Lodge Room in the Highland Park neighbourhood of Los Angeles on Saturday, September 20th. The night was one of remembrance, playing their first two […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate "Inertia" with High-Energy London Launch Show Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate “Inertia” with High-Energy London Launch Show

          September 10, 2025

          To mark the release of their new album Inertia, Pendulum’s Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen brought an electrifying DJ set to HERE at Outernet in London on September 5th. The Australian outfit has long been […]

        • 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
        • 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
        • 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
        • Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of "Ad Astra" | XS Noize Podcast #248
          Podcasts

          Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of “Ad Astra” | XS Noize Podcast #248

          October 1, 2025

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Rick McMurray looks back on 30 years of Ash and the rocket-fuel energy behind their new album Ad Astra. From teenage beginnings in Downpatrick to global stages, […]

          The Jacques
          Podcasts

          Finn O’Brien on The Jacques’ New Album “Make Repetition!” | XS Noize Podcast #247

          September 28, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube “Will would be proud of us, and he’d never have wanted his loss to stop us doing what we love.” — Finn O’Brien, […]

          Gary Numan
          Podcasts

          Gary Numan on “Telekon” at 45, Wembley Ghosts & His Glastonbury Debut | XS Noize Podcast #246

          September 24, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube In Episode #246 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Gary Numan — one of electronic music’s true pioneers — for a powerful conversation marking the 45th […]

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  • Bernie

Articles by Bernie McAllister

Xsnoize Author
Bernie McAllister
Fave band REM/The ClashFave album: UP and Useless by TV Smith and the Bored Teenagers.
Website
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 Bernie McAllister

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// The Dead South – Waterfront Hall, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Dead South – Waterfront Hall, Belfast

March 26, 2025 Bernie McAllister

The Dead South delivered a thrilling, career-defining performance at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall, marking their biggest headline show in the city to date.   Staying true to their signature fusion of bluegrass, Americana, and folk, the […]

IN FOCUS// Snow Patrol at SSE Arena, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Snow Patrol’s Triumphant Return to Belfast’s SSE Arena

February 28, 2025 Bernie McAllister

There’s nothing quite like a Snow Patrol homecoming gig, and last night at Belfast’s SSE Arena, the band proved exactly why they remain one of Northern Ireland’s most cherished musical exports. With an electric atmosphere […]

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at Custom House Square, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS & Special Guests at Custom House Square, Belfast

August 19, 2024 Bernie McAllister

Legendary NI Punks STIFF LITTLE FINGERS returned to Custom House Square for another memorable night in Belfast on Saturday, 17th August 2024, alongside an all-star line-up of very special guests & friends, including THE DAMNED, THE […]

Gareth Dunlop at Ulster Hall, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Gareth Dunlop at Ulster Hall, Belfast

November 15, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Far From Saints were at The Ulster Hall, Belfast, as part of their extensive UK and Ireland tour with support from Belfast’s synth-pop artist, Gareth Dunlop, who played a fantastic set. Bernie McAllister was there […]

IN FOCUS// Haircut 100 at The Limelight, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Haircut One Hundred at The Limelight, Belfast

October 10, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Fresh from sold-out shows in London and Oxford in May, ’80s new wave pop band Haircut One Hundred kicked off their Haircut 100% Live Tour in Belfast with a brilliant performance at the iconic Limelight, […]

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at Custom House Square, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at Custom House Square, Belfast

August 21, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Following their SOLD OUT Custom House Square show in 2022, Legendary NI Punks STIFF LITTLE FINGERS returned to Custom House Square for another special night in Belfast on Saturday, 19th August 2023, alongside an all-star line-up […]

IN FOCUS// The Prodigy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Prodigy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park

July 1, 2023 Bernie McAllister

The Prodigy played an exceptional outdoor performance at Ormeau Park, Belfast, on Friday, 30th June 2023. Following the band’s incendiary and emotionally charged sellout tour of the UK last July, their first since Keith Flint […]

IN FOCUS// Florence & the Machine at Belsonic, Ormeau Park © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Florence & the Machine at Belsonic, Ormeau Park

June 29, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Florence & the Machine returned to Belfast to play their largest-ever Irish show at Belsonic, Ormeau Park, on Wednesday, June 28th 2023. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.          […]

IN FOCUS// The Pretenders at Limelight 1, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Pretenders at Limelight 1, Belfast

May 24, 2023 Bernie McAllister

English-American rock band Pretenders played an amazing show last night at Limelight 1, Belfast, as part of their UK and Irish tour. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.          […]

IN FOCUS// Tom Meighan at Limelight, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Tom Meighan at Limelight, Belfast

May 15, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Former Kasabian frontman Tom Meighan played an amazing show on Saturday night at Limelight, Belfast, supporting his fantastic debut album ‘The Reckoning.’ A born frontman, Tom had the crowd jumping from the first song to […]

IN FOCUS// Peter Doherty at Limelight, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Peter Doherty at Limelight, Belfast

April 15, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Peter Doherty, the Millennial Jean Genie/Jean Genet, played Limelight, Belfast, on his first solo acoustic tour in ten years. Peter performed a selection of nuggets from his back catalogue, including classics from The Libertines, Babyshambles […]

© Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Answer at Limelight 2, Belfast

March 24, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Irish rockers The Answer made a spectacular and long-awaited return to Limelight 2, Belfast last night in support of ‘Sundowners’ – their first studio album in almost seven years. Bernie McAllister was there to take […]

IN FOCUS// Paul Heaton at The SSE Arena, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Paul Heaton at The SSE Arena, Belfast

February 23, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Paul Heaton and his band continued their series of Irish tour dates with an amazing show last night at The SSE Arena, Belfast. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.        […]

IN FOCUS// L-Plate @ McHughs Bar, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// L-Plate @ McHughs Bar, Belfast, Northern Ireland

December 30, 2022 Bernie McAllister

L-Plate played a fantastic debut headline show with support from Moonbot & Disorder last night at McHughs Bar, Belfast, Northern Ireland. Bernie McAllister was there to take these amazing images.           […]

IN FOCUS// The Coronas live at Ulster Hall, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Coronas live at Ulster Hall, Belfast

December 6, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Dublin 3 piece The Coronas returned to the iconic Ulster Hall, Belfast, on December 4th to play an amazing show. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.             […]

IN FOCUS// The Cure at The SSE Arena Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Cure at The SSE Arena, Belfast

December 3, 2022 Bernie McAllister

The Cure made their highly anticipated return to Northern Ireland last night with a fantastic show at The SSE Arena, Belfast, where they performed all their hits and fan favourites, including ‘Pictures Of You, ‘Lovesong’, […]

IN FOCUS// Wet Leg at The Limelight, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Wet Leg at The Limelight, Belfast

November 28, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Rhian Teasdale (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) and Hester Chambers (backing vocals, lead guitar), aka Wet Leg, played an amazing show last night at Belfast’s iconic Limelight venue. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic […]

IN FOCUS// The Pretty Reckless Setlist at Ulster Hall, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Pretty Reckless at Ulster Hall, Belfast

October 24, 2022 Bernie McAllister

The Pretty Reckless—Taylor Momsen [Vocals], Ben Phillips [Guitar], Jamie Perkins [drums], and Mark Damon [bass] played a fantastic sold-out show last night at Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall. Bernie McAllister was there to take these amazing […]

IN FOCUS// Kasabian at The Telegraph Building, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Kasabian at The Telegraph Building, Belfast

October 21, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Leicester rockers Kasabian returned to Belfast with a fantastic show at The Telegraph Building last night, 20th October, in support of their seventh album, The Alchemist’s Euphoria. Bernie McAllister was there to take these amazing […]

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