Skip to main content
Trending
  • PICTURE THIS add extra Belfast and Dublin dates following huge demand
  • Editors return with ‘Call It In’ and reveal 2027 UK & EU tour dates
  • 30 Years of Fugees’ Iconic Album ‘The Score’ to Be Celebrated at Belfast’s Oh Yeah Centre
  • MUSE unleash heavy new single ‘Cryogen’ from forthcoming album The Wow! Signal
  • Bloodstock Heats Up with the Metal 2 the Masses Finale
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Picture This
          News

          PICTURE THIS add extra Belfast and Dublin dates following huge demand

          April 28, 2026

          Picture This announce their most intimate shows ever for Winter 2026 including dates in The Telegraph Building and the Millennium Forum. “We spent last summer playing cities, towns and venues in Ireland that we had […]

          Editors 
          News

          Editors return with ‘Call It In’ and reveal 2027 UK & EU tour dates

          April 28, 2026

          Editors return with brand new single, ‘Call It In’, and news of 2027 tour dates across the UK & EU. Call It In marks the band’s first new music since 2022’s studio album EBM, and emerges from studio sessions […]

          Fugees
          News

          30 Years of Fugees’ Iconic Album ‘The Score’ to Be Celebrated at Belfast’s Oh Yeah Centre

          April 24, 2026

          As part of CQAF 26, join us as we celebrate 30 years of the Fugees’ iconic album The Score with Blackjack + Jai Sian offering their take on this classic. From São Paulo to Belfast […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck - Optimizer
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck – Optimizer

          April 21, 2026

          The dormant gears of Chicago’s post-punk stalwarts have finally ground back into motion. Following a three-year break, Stuck return with Optimizer, a record that suggests the only way to navigate a collapsing world is to […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Dandy Warhols - Pin Ups
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Dandy Warhols – Pin Ups

          March 25, 2026

          There’s long been a subtle rebellious streak at the core of The Dandy Warhols. Since emerging from Portland in 1994, they’ve approached genres as something fluid rather than fixed, and Pin Ups – their 2026 […]

        • 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

          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 […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring 'The Mountain' to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut Credit: Luke Dyson
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring ‘The Mountain’ to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut

          April 1, 2026

          Gorillaz finally made it to Belfast — and instead of rolling out a greatest hits set, they came in with something very different. Support came from Argentine rapper, singer and songwriter Trueno, and I’ve never […]

        • 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
        • Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
          Podcast

          Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281

          April 22, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Miles Hunt for a candid, funny and reflective conversation marking 40 years of The Wonder Stuff. You can watch the full […]

          Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
          Podcast

          Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280

          April 14, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Carol Decker for a candid, funny and revealing conversation about T’Pau’s return with the new album Be Wonderful. You can watch […]

          The Boxer Rebellion
          Podcast

          The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279

          April 7, 2026

          The Boxer Rebellion return with The Second I’m Asleep — their first full-length studio album since 2018. In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Nathan Nicholson and Piers Hewitt join Mark Millar to talk […]

  • About Us
  • Contribute
  • Home
  • Author
  • Darren_leach

Articles by Darren Leach

Xsnoize Author
Darren Leach
Darren’s love of music started in radio, where he interviewed bands and recorded them live in the studio. Since then, he’s written album reviews and features for publications in both Australia and the UK. He’s a regular gig goer and at 6’ 7” tall, will one day be standing in front you.
Website
ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck - Optimizer
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck – Optimizer

April 21, 2026 Darren Leach

The dormant gears of Chicago’s post-punk stalwarts have finally ground back into motion. Following a three-year break, Stuck return with Optimizer, a record that suggests the only way to navigate a collapsing world is to […]

Ganser
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Alicia Gaines on the Architecture of Ganser and Discomfort by Design

April 12, 2026 Darren Leach

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 […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Dandy Warhols - Pin Ups
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Dandy Warhols – Pin Ups

March 25, 2026 Darren Leach

There’s long been a subtle rebellious streak at the core of The Dandy Warhols. Since emerging from Portland in 1994, they’ve approached genres as something fluid rather than fixed, and Pin Ups – their 2026 […]

The Enemy - Social Disguises
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Enemy – Social Disguises

March 4, 2026 Darren Leach

The long-dormant gears of Coventry’s favourite sons have finally ground back into motion. After the sleek, perhaps overly-polished synth-pop detour of 2015’s It’s Automatic, a record that left the band questioning their relevance and drifting […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Nothing - A Short History Of Decay
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Nothing – A Short History Of Decay

February 20, 2026 Darren Leach

Philadelphia shoegaze standard-bearers Nothing return in 2026 with A Short History Of Decay, a record that feels less like a reinvention and more like a reaffirmation of everything they’ve quietly perfected over the past decade […]

Paul Draper
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Paul Draper – Mansun Retold

February 20, 2026 Darren Leach

Three decades have passed since Mansun first injected a dose of grand, prog-inflected eccentricity into the waning days of Britpop. In 2026, ex-frontman Paul Draper returns with Mansun Retold, a project that resists the easy […]

ALBUM REVIEW: IST IST - Dagger
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: IST IST – Dagger

February 9, 2026 Darren Leach

Manchester’s post-punk titans IST IST have never been a band to do things by halves. Rising from the city’s underground with a fiercely independent DIY ethic, they’ve spent years carving out a sonic identity as […]

Consolers - Deep Breaths
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Consolers – Deep Breaths

February 3, 2026 Darren Leach

Belfast’s Consolers haven’t spent their first year in the spotlight trying to deconstruct the DNA of alternative rock. Since their April 2025 arrival, they’ve been far more interested in the visceral payoff of a massive […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Dry Cleaning - Secret Love
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Dry Cleaning – Secret Love

January 23, 2026 Darren Leach

With their third studio album, Secret Love, South London’s Dry Cleaning have officially moved beyond the initial hype of the post-punk revival, evolving into a band willing to risk their established formula. Released via 4AD […]

Sugar - Copper Blue
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Sugar – Copper Blue: The Singles Collection

November 28, 2025 Darren Leach

For fans of Sugar – and for anyone who still feels the shockwave of Copper Blue more than three decades on – Copper Blue: The Singles Collection arrives as a dream artefact. Pressed across four […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Gary Numan - 1,000: Live at the Electric Ballroom
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Gary Numan – 1,000: Live at the Electric Ballroom

November 25, 2025 Darren Leach

Captured during the third and final instalment of his sold-out 2023 residency, 1,000: Live at the Electric Ballroom finds Gary Numan in formidable form. Camden’s Electric Ballroom, steeped in the musical history of North London, […]

Aerosmith & Yungblud
Album Reviews

REVIEW: Aerosmith & Yungblud – One More Time EP

November 20, 2025 Darren Leach

The unlikely team-up of Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry and Yorkshire’s punk-pop firebrand Yungblud has dropped a 5-track EP, One More Time. Four brand-new co-writes plus a glossy 2025 rework of “Back In the […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Belair Lip Bombs – Again
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Belair Lip Bombs – Again

November 10, 2025 Darren Leach

The Australian indie scene has long perfected the art of masking malaise behind sun-drenched, jangly guitar pop, and Melbourne’s The Belair Lip Bombs deliver a textbook example with their punchy second album, Again. Over ten […]

ALBUM REVIEW: White Lies - Night Light
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: White Lies – Night Light

November 3, 2025 Darren Leach

Seven albums in, White Lies continue to evolve while keeping their signature mix of shadowy synth-pop and widescreen emotion intact. Night Light finds the London trio leaning deeper into electronic textures than ever before, with […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Kool & The Gang – Greatest Hits
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Kool & The Gang – Greatest Hits

October 27, 2025 Darren Leach

Few bands embody the joyous intersection of funk, soul, and pop quite like Kool & The Gang. With a career spanning six decades and 23 studio albums, their influence runs deep; from disco dancefloors and […]

dust - Sky is Falling
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Dust – Sky Is Falling

October 15, 2025 Darren Leach

Dust’s Sky Is Falling doesn’t so much make a statement as just show up and grab your attention. The Australian 5-piece follow up on their 2023 debut with an album that isn’t polished or overworked; […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra

October 3, 2025 Darren Leach

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 […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Coach Party – Caramel
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Coach Party – Caramel

October 1, 2025 Darren Leach

Isle of Wight four-piece Coach Party return with their sophomore album Caramel, a dazzling, perfectly weighted collection of ten tracks that finds the band confidently pushing past their reputation as indie upstarts and stepping firmly […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Chameleons - Arctic Moon
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Chameleons – Arctic Moon

September 10, 2025 Darren Leach

After more than two decades without new material, The Chameleons return with Arctic Moon, their fifth album proper, a seven-track collection that feels both timeless and urgently relevant. From the opening moments, it’s clear the […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • 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
    April 22, 2026
  • Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
    Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
    April 14, 2026
  • The Boxer Rebellion
    The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279
    April 7, 2026
  • The Dandy Warhols
    Courtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278
    April 1, 2026
  • Scouting For Girls
    Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride on ‘These Are The Good Days’ and finding joy in the present | XS Noize Podcast #277
    March 24, 2026
  • The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on Grief, Mental Health & ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
    The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
    March 17, 2026

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2026

Trending Articles

  • Editors Editors return with ‘Call It In’ and reveal 2027 UK & EU tour dates April 28, 2026
  • Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281 April 22, 2026
  • YungbludFive of Yungblud’s biggest hits August 24, 2025
  • WestlifeWESTLIFE set to ring in 2023 at New Year’s Festival Dublin November 10, 2022
  • future islandsFuture Islands share ‘The Ink Well’ and ‘One Day’ April 21, 2026
  • Billie Eilish12 interesting facts about Billie Eilish January 11, 2025
  • Bad Bunny6 of Bad Bunny’s biggest selling hits August 5, 2025
  • MUSEMUSE unleash heavy new single ‘Cryogen’ from forthcoming album The Wow! Signal April 24, 2026
  • Imagine Dragons11 of Imagine Dragons’ biggest selling hits April 10, 2025
  • Global superstar ADELE returns with the release of her brand new single and video 'Easy On Me' 17 of Adele’s most successful hits August 11, 2024

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Youtube
  • instagram
  • Spotify
  • Terms Of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2024 | XS Noize. Website by Skyhaven Media