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  • AVA Belfast reveals full 2026 festival programme including afterparties, talks, workshops and more
  • THE SCRIPT announce new album ‘The User’s Guide To Being Human’ and huge UK & European arena headline tour
  • ALBUM REVIEW: The Coral – 388
  • Dexys Midnight Runners announce new album ‘LOVE’ following Heavenly Recordings signing
  • The Coral Surprise-Release Thirteenth Album ‘388’ and Share Video for “Let The Music Play”
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • kneecap
          News

          AVA Belfast reveals full 2026 festival programme including afterparties, talks, workshops and more

          May 22, 2026

          AVA Belfast returns to Titanic Slipways on 29–30 May 2026, as the city prepares for what promises to be its biggest music weekend of the year. Hailed as “Techno Christmas,” or “Belfast Coachella” AVA is […]

          The Script
          News

          THE SCRIPT announce new album ‘The User’s Guide To Being Human’ and huge UK & European arena headline tour

          May 22, 2026

          The Script’s phenomenal and long-lasting success has seen them achieve six UK #1 albums and eight back home in Ireland, in the process exceeding 14 billion streams, 5 million album sales, and countless international Platinum […]

          Dexys Midnight Runners
          News

          Dexys Midnight Runners announce new album ‘LOVE’ following Heavenly Recordings signing

          May 21, 2026

          Having recently announced their signing to Heavenly Recordings, Dexys Midnight Runners have today announced details of their new album, LOVE, out on Friday 4th September 2026. LOVE is a deeply personal and emotionally rich album […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          The Coral
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Coral – 388

          May 21, 2026

          The Coral have always thrived on instinct, but even by their standards, 388 feels like a beautifully unexpected detour. Arriving without teaser singles or algorithm-chasing fanfare, the Hoylake psych-pop veterans have delivered one of the […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ed O’Brien - Blue Morpho
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ed O’Brien – Blue Morpho

          May 20, 2026

          There has been a flurry of solo activity from the members of Radiohead in the ten years since A Moon Shaped Pool was released. In that same decade, the world has faced its share of […]

        • 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: 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 […]

          LIVE REVIEW: The Prodigy Bring Fire, Chaos and Emotion to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: The Prodigy Bring Fire, Chaos and Emotion to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena

          May 7, 2026

          After more than 30 years, The Prodigy remain one of the most powerful live electronic acts on the planet — and their sold-out show at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena proved exactly why. The night began with […]

        • 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
        • 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 […]

          da Googie
          Podcast

          Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie and bringing immersive sound to Belfast | XS Noize Podcast #283

          May 5, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Deb Googe and Cara Tivey for a thoughtful and exploratory conversation about their debut full-length album together, The Golden Thread. You […]

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Articles by Fionn Crossan

Avatar for Fionn Crossan
Fionn Crossan
Fav Artist(s): John Martyn, Aphex Twin Fav album: Solid Air - John Martyn
Website
LIVE REVIEW: The Dunts Live at SWG3, Glasgow
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Dunts Live at SWG3, Glasgow

March 16, 2020 Fionn Crossan

Despite not being very familiar with the Dunts music before the evening of their headline show at SWG3 in Glasgow, it was clear the room was filling with young teenagers ready to sing back every […]

VIDEO PREMIERE: Conor Furlong - 'R.E.M. Saved My Life Tonight' - Watch Now 1
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Conor Furlong – Rapid Eye Movement

September 17, 2019 Fionn Crossan

Dublin singer-songwriter Conor Furlong has been making waves with the announcement of his debut album ‘Rapid Eye Movement’, to be released on the 20th September. The album is represented well by lead single R.E.M Saved […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The National – I Am Easy To Find
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The National – I Am Easy To Find

May 17, 2019 Fionn Crossan

2017’s ‘Sleep Well Beast’ was a huge moment for The National, winning them their first Grammy. The tense, dark record was so impressive it seemed hard to imagine a follow-up. However, ‘I Am Easy to […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Mac DeMarco - 'Here Comes The Cowboy'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Mac DeMarco – ‘Here Comes The Cowboy’

May 6, 2019 Fionn Crossan

The return of indie rock slacker icon Mac DeMarco comes in the form of ‘Here Comes the Cowboy’. While his Viceroy smoking, baggy jean wearing aesthetic can be a turn off for some people the […]

LIVE REVIEW: Pinegrove – The Dissection Room, Summerhall, Edinburgh
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Pinegrove – The Dissection Room, Summerhall, Edinburgh

April 6, 2019 Fionn Crossan

It wasn’t long ago that many thought Pinegrove was forever gone. Blossoming into indie rocks one of inventive stars after the release of 2016’s Cardinal, the band then disappeared almost overnight at the end of […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Cinematic Orchestra – To Believe
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Cinematic Orchestra – To Believe

April 6, 2019 Fionn Crossan

One of Englands finest experimental groups, The Cinematic Orchestra have returned this year with ‘To Believe’, their first studio album since 2007’s ‘Ma Fleur’. Spearheaded by producer Jason Swinscoe, this new record feels like a […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Cinematic Orchestra at Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Cinematic Orchestra at Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow

March 27, 2019 Fionn Crossan

After returning with their first album in 12 years, ‘To Believe’, ‘The Cinematic Orchestra’ last night brought their immersive live experience to the Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow. Opening the night was Salami Rose Joe […]

THE JAPANESE HOUSE returns with brand new single ‘Lilo’ - Listen Now
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Japanese House at The Caves, Edinburgh

March 20, 2019 Fionn Crossan

The atmosphere at the venue before The Japanese House took to the stage was electric. Loud chattering conversation echoed on the stone walls of the beautiful Edinburgh venue and many eyes remained glued in anticipation […]

THESE NEW PURITANS reveal details of fourth studio album, 'Inside the Rose' - Watch Video
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: These New Puritans – Inside The Rose

March 12, 2019 Fionn Crossan

Channelling new wave through a dark contemporary lens, English act These New Puritans have returned with their fourth album, ‘Inside The Rose’. Recorded and written in various places including Berlin and London, the band chop […]

ALBUM REVIEW: American Football – LP3
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: American Football – LP3

February 25, 2019 Fionn Crossan

In 2016, American Football released their second self-titled album, or ‘LP2’ after a 17-year gap between their now iconic debut. The story of the band’s initial existence and swift break-up as the first record was […]

SHE DREW THE GUN announce 2019 headline tour
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: She Drew The Gun – Mono Bar, Glasgow

February 23, 2019 Fionn Crossan

Liverpudlian outfit She Drew The Gun brought their unique punk-influenced psych-pop to Mono Bar in Glasgow, the third date on their completely sold out UK tour in support of their masterfully assertive second album, ‘Revolution […]

LIVE REVIEW: Nils Frahm – SEC Armadillo – 18th February 2019
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Nils Frahm – SEC Armadillo – 18th February 2019

February 19, 2019 Fionn Crossan

For most attending, myself included, tonight provided closure for those who planned to see Nils in the Royal Concert Hall in March last year, before a snowstorm shut down transport services across Scotland, forcing the […]

BEN HOWARD shares new single 'A Boat To An Island On The Wall' - Listen
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Ben Howard – Noonday Dream

May 30, 2018 Fionn Crossan

After a four year silence after the release of his critically acclaimed album, ‘I Forget Where We Were’ there was a part of me that we’d maybe never heard hear another full length from Ben. […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Wood Burning Savages – 'Stability'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Wood Burning Savages – ‘Stability’

April 25, 2018 Fionn Crossan

Derry punks ‘The Wood Burning Savages’ have provided us with a statement full of anger and political frustration on their debut album ‘Stability’. Opening title track explodes into the listener’s ear. The pounding driven bass […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Godspeed You! Black Emperor - "Luciferian Towers"
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Godspeed You! Black Emperor – “Luciferian Towers”

October 12, 2017 Fionn Crossan

Some might argue that what makes a song political is the message that lies within in its lyrics; it must be a clear call for change, a clear mockery of the establishment, of a corporation, […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Enter Shikari - “The Spark”
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Enter Shikari – “The Spark”

September 25, 2017 Fionn Crossan

Enter Shikari return this year with “The Spark”. The fifth album to follow up 2015’s release “The Mindsweep”, a hugely bleak record that reflected the times in the context of the band’s signature style of […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Mogwai - "Every Countrys Sun"
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Mogwai – “Every Countrys Sun”

September 7, 2017 Fionn Crossan

‘Every Country’s Sun’ may be seen by some as Mogwai’s first peek above ground since 2014’s acclaimed Rave Tapes – but they would most certainly be wrong. Since ‘Rave Tapes’ – which saw the band […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Steven Wilson - "To The Bone"
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Steven Wilson – “To The Bone”

August 24, 2017 Fionn Crossan

Steven Wilson, formerly of Porcupine Tree, this year released his 5th solo album “To The Bone”. The renowned progressive rock man is known for his genre bending, expansive and challenging approach to his music, while […]

GARETH DUNLOP - To release debut album "No.79" August 11th + Live dates
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Gareth Dunlop – “No.79”

August 10, 2017 Fionn Crossan

You could say Belfast songwriter Gareth Dunlop has been working up to this moment for a long time. Releasing two EP’s and a number of singles since 2014, all while working as a songwriter for […]

Exclusive Video Premiere: THE COUTH - 'Fire'
Exclusive!

Exclusive Video Premiere: THE COUTH – ‘Fire’

May 13, 2017 Fionn Crossan

‘Fire’s the latest offering from the unapologetic, frantic punk rock four piece ‘The Couth’. Taken from the groups latest release, the three track EP ‘Burnout’ shows the band proudly take the style of bands like […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

  • 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
    May 5, 2026
  • 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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  • 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
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