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  • Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, announces Belfast show
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta – Cut A Silhouette
  • Inspiral Carpets announce ‘Burn Like The Sun’ – their first studio album in 12 years
  • Faithless Announce Special Guests For CHSq Belfast Show With Phil Hartnoll, Justin Robertson & Marion Hawkes
  • American hard rock band Clutch announce Belfast show at Telegraph Building
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Julian Marley
          News

          Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, announces Belfast show

          May 29, 2026

          Born in London, England on June 4, 1975, Julian Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Barbados-born Lucy Pounder. Growing up as a youth in a musical atmosphere, the Grammy Award Nominated […]

          Inspiral Carpets
          News

          Inspiral Carpets announce ‘Burn Like The Sun’ – their first studio album in 12 years

          May 29, 2026

          Inspiral Carpets announce Burn Like The Sun – their first studio album in 12 years, out January 29th, 2027 via Scruff of the Neck Records. The band have unveiled a special announcement video, narrated by […]

          Faithless
          News

          Faithless Announce Special Guests For CHSq Belfast Show With Phil Hartnoll, Justin Robertson & Marion Hawkes

          May 28, 2026

          Dance pioneers Faithless are back with their biggest Belfast headline show to date at Custom House Square on Thursday 20th August 2026, alongside very special guests, Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Justin Robertson and Marion Hawkes. Few […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta - Cut A Silhouette
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta – Cut A Silhouette

          May 29, 2026

          Having spent two decades parsing the shifting sands of alternative rock, it takes something genuinely striking to cut through the noise. Enter Sparta’s latest offering, Cut A Silhouette. Spanning ten tracks across an urgent 33 […]

          Mull Historical Society
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Mull Historical Society – In My Mind There’s a Photograph

          May 26, 2026

          For Mull Historical Society’s last album, Colin MacIntyre — who is, in essence, Mull Historical Society — invited acclaimed authors to write lyrics for his musical compositions. The result was 2023’s In My Mind There’s […]

        • 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

          Lone Assembly
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Lone Assembly bring dark synthpop and post-punk atmosphere to London’s MOTH Club

          May 27, 2026

          When a proposed property development threatened the future of the 300-capacity MOTH Club, the support to save it far exceeded the venue’s maximum attendance. Around 30,000 people signed a petition to protect the much-loved Hackney […]

          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 […]

        • 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
        • robert arkins - the commitments
          Podcast

          Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286

          May 25, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Robert Arkins, best known to millions as Jimmy Rabbitte in Alan Parker’s classic 1991 film The Commitments. Robert joins Mark for […]

          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 […]

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  • Jamiegibson

Articles by Jamie Gibson

Avatar for Jamie Gibson
Jamie Gibson
Fav Band: Manic Street Preachers Fav Album: The Holy Bible - Manic Street Preachers Email: jamie@xsnoize.com
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ALBUM REVIEW: DRINKS - Hermits on Holiday
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: DRINKS – Hermits on Holiday

August 18, 2015 Jamie Gibson

On paper, a side project like DRINKS looks like a safe bet. On the one hand you’ve got Cate Le Bon, by now an established and critically acclaimed Welsh expat known for the unique blending […]

GWENNO - wins Welsh Language Album of the Year award
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: GWENNO – Y Dydd Olaf

August 12, 2015 Jamie Gibson

Let’s  catch up on an album that’s gotten some buzz online but will likely be missed by the masses. It’s Y Dydd Olaf, the first solo album of Gwenno Saunders (formerly of The Pipettes) and […]

ALBUM REVIEW: MAC DEMARCO – ANOTHER ONE
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: MAC DEMARCO – ANOTHER ONE

August 6, 2015 Jamie Gibson

Is Another One a new Mac DeMarco album or not? It’s certainly a question up for debate through this review and the release itself. The label call it a ‘mini-LP’ but Mac has referred to […]

GIRLPOOL share new track "Cherry Picking", + announce tour with Frankie Cosmos
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: GIRLPOOL – BEFORE THE WORLD WAS BIG

June 23, 2015 Jamie Gibson

It’s been quite a year for Girlpool, the band formed by Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad that doesn’t need a drummer to make some serious noise. Having initially released their self-titled debut EP on Bandcamp […]

REVIEW: SHARON VAN ETTEN -  I Don't Want To Let You Down EP
Album Reviews

REVIEW: SHARON VAN ETTEN – I Don’t Want To Let You Down EP

June 22, 2015 Jamie Gibson

I Don’t Want To Let You Down is a somewhat surprisingly quick follow up to Sharon Van Etten’s highly acclaimed album Are We There? released around the same time last year with 4 brand new […]

TRACK OF THE DAY:  TORRES - 'COWBOY GUILT' - Listen
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: TORRES – SPRINTER

May 7, 2015 Jamie Gibson

When Mackenzie Scott under the moniker of Torres released her self-titled debut in early 2013, it was a nice, quaint folk album that hinted at great potential but ultimately went a little underlooked in a […]

WAXAHATCHEE / Shares new single 'Under A Rock' and adds more European tour dates
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW – WAXAHATCHEE – IVY TRIPP

April 9, 2015 Jamie Gibson

Although it takes a little time to get into, Waxahatchee’s third album Ivy Tripp further refines and develops what’s always been endearing about the Philly based singer-songwriter. Waxahatchee is the by any other name solo project […]

ALBUM REVIEW: DOLDRUMS - THE AIR CONDITIONED NIGHTMARE
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: DOLDRUMS – THE AIR CONDITIONED NIGHTMARE

April 8, 2015 Jamie Gibson

With The Air Conditioned Nightmare, Doldrums steps out on the shadows and gives his weird electronic stylings something that can cross into some mainstream appeal. What can we say of Canadian musician Airick Woodhead? Well he […]

COURTNEY BARNETT ANNOUNCES 2015 US TOUR DATES
Album Reviews

COURTNEY BARNETT – ‘Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit’

March 16, 2015 Jamie Gibson

It’s been fascinating watching Courtney Barnett’s journey over the past few years, in the way that it’s grown in such an organic way that I don’t think I’ve seen in my time. Originally releasing two […]

SCREAMING FEMALES - ROSE MOUNTAIN
Album Reviews

SCREAMING FEMALES – ROSE MOUNTAIN

March 5, 2015 Jamie Gibson

Screaming Females have been around for almost a decade, but again for this review I’m either the best or worst person to review their sixth album Rose Mountain, since I’ve never actually listened to any […]

THE WAVE PICTURES - GREAT BIG FLAMINGO BURNING MOON
Album Reviews

THE WAVE PICTURES – GREAT BIG FLAMINGO BURNING MOON

February 10, 2015 Jamie Gibson

The Wave Pictures have been around a good 15+ years, but ask most people (myself included 2 years ago) and unless they have an encyclopedic knowledge or maybe an older Brother rooted in underground scenes they probably […]

MENACE BEACH - RATWORLD
Album Reviews

MENACE BEACH – RATWORLD

February 3, 2015 Jamie Gibson

Even in today’s instant download, Bandcamp upload world where even Beyonce can drop an album out of nowhere while you went to bed early for work the next morning, 2 years from your first ever […]

SLEATER-KINNEY - NO CITIES TO LOVE
Album Reviews

SLEATER-KINNEY – NO CITIES TO LOVE

January 22, 2015 Jamie Gibson

No Cities To Love is technically my first Sleater-Kinney album, not counting their 1994 debut that I listened to a few months ago. It’s not out of blatant ignorance. Like everyone, I’ve got those bands […]

VIET CONG - VIET CONG
Album Reviews

VIET CONG – VIET CONG

January 12, 2015 Jamie Gibson

A band with a name like Viet Cong could have gone all so wrong. Artwork devoid of colour, their name taken from a place in time many people still aren’t comfortable discussing, in most cases […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • robert arkins - the commitments
    Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286
    May 25, 2026
  • 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
    April 29, 2026
  • 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

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