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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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  • Lee Campbell

Articles by Lee Campbell

Xsnoize Author
Lee Campbell
Fair to say that Lee has an eclectic taste and appreciation in music, however, in the main he tends to veer towards post-punk, indie-pop & rock and folk.Top albums and bands include 'Out of Time' by REM, 'Live Rust' by Neil Young & Crazy Horse, 'Unknown Pleasures' by Joy Division, 'Rumours' by Fleetwood Mac, 'Rio' by Duran Duran, 'Ten' by Pearl Jam, 'Violator' by Depeche Mode
Website
New Pagans - Making Circles of Our Own
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: New Pagans – Making Circles of Our Own

February 13, 2023 Lee Campbell

It’s almost two years since Belfast’s New Pagans released their acclaimed debut LP, The Seed, The Vessel, The Roots and All. The indie-punks are now back featuring the same, strong line-up with Making Circles of […]

Eirewave
Features

FEATURE: Surf’s up for digital radio station Eirewave

December 1, 2022 Lee Campbell

Eirewave founder Olivier Mauxion, originally from Angers in western France, is now very much at home in Ireland. Olivier came to Ireland for the music over a decade ago. He tried his hand at being […]

larkin poe
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Larkin Poe – Blood Harmony

November 7, 2022 Lee Campbell

They were once a family trio called The Lovell Sisters. Disbanding in 2009 and rising from the ashes shortly after as duo Larkin Poe, Rebecca and Megan are about to release their sixth studio album, […]

Simple Minds
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Simple Minds – Direction of the Heart

October 20, 2022 Lee Campbell

Forty years after their seminal New Gold Dream (81-82-83-84) album, Simple Minds are back with their 18th studio LP, Direction of the Heart. Incredibly, the former classic was the culmination of a period that saw […]

Pixies - Doggerel
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Pixies – Doggerel

September 26, 2022 Lee Campbell

It wouldn’t be a Pixies LP without having to reach for the thesaurus or dictionary at least once. Doggerel is a comic verse composed in an unusual or irregular rhythm. It could be argued that […]

Nerina Pallot
Featured Interview

INTERVIEW: Nerina Pallot on her brilliantly diverse seventh album, ‘I Don’t Know What I’m Doing’

July 27, 2022 Lee Campbell

Nerina Pallot has recently released her brilliantly diverse seventh album, ‘I Don’t Know What I’m Doing.’ It pulls from many genres, including soul, jazz, blues and pop. XS Noize chatted with Nerina about her new […]

INTERVIEW Legendary Drummer Ralph Rolle on Chic & Soul Snacks 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW Legendary Drummer Ralph Rolle on Chic & Soul Snacks

July 8, 2022 Lee Campbell

This Sunday, Nile Rodgers & Chic will play the British Summer Time Festival at Hyde Park London, where they will be supporting the mighty Duran Duran. Now a massive part of the Chic family, drummer […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Bear’s Den - Blue Hours
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bear’s Den – Blue Hours

May 11, 2022 Lee Campbell

If ‘Blue Hours’ was the first ever Bear’s Den record that you listened to, you would be confused as to why they have been consistently labelled as ‘folk-rock’. They now seem to have fully shed […]

INTERVIEW: Andrew Davie of Bear’s Den on their upcoming fourth studio album, ‘Blue Hours’ 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Andrew Davie of Bear’s Den on their upcoming fourth studio album, ‘Blue Hours’

April 25, 2022 Lee Campbell

Bear’s Den began as a threesome. Now, eight years after their debut album ‘Islands’, the band’s core is now a very well-established duo, Andrew Davie and Kevin Jones. Lee Campbell spoke with Andrew about their […]

INTERVIEW: US indie-rock outfit LO MOON discuss their new album 'A Modern Life' 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: US indie-rock outfit LO MOON discuss their new album ‘A Modern Life’

April 6, 2022 Lee Campbell

Lo Moon has just released their stunning second album, ‘Modern Life’ and are in the midst of a major European & North American tour with The War on Drugs. Matt Lowell and Sam Stewart from […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Cowboy Junkies - Songs of the Recollection
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Cowboy Junkies – Songs of the Recollection

March 24, 2022 Lee Campbell

Cowboy Junkies are one of those outstanding bands that just get on with what they do and quietly slip under many people’s radars. The Timmins siblings & bassist Alan Anton are now into their fifth […]

ALBUM REVIEW: White Lies - As I Try Not to Fall Apart
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: White Lies – As I Try Not to Fall Apart

February 15, 2022 Lee Campbell

Six albums in thirteen years is not a bad return. Despite a challenging second album that followed their smash 2009 debut, To Lose My Life, the industrious, west London threesome have built up and sustained […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The War on Drugs - I Don’t Live Here Anymore
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The War on Drugs – I Don’t Live Here Anymore

October 26, 2021 Lee Campbell

I’ve never really overtly connected the sound of The War on Drugs with Dylan or Springsteen, but with this, their fifth album, I Don’t Live Here Anymore, I can finally join the dots. Opener ‘Living […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Duran Duran - Future Past
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Duran Duran – Future Past

October 21, 2021 Lee Campbell

The future (past) looks bright – The not so ‘New’ Romantics, Duran Duran are in a celebratory mood with plenty left in the tank. Recent, energetic sell-out performances at the likes of Austin City Limits, […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Dark Mark v Skeleton Joe (feat Mark Lanegan and Joe Cardamone)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Dark Mark v Skeleton Joe (feat Mark Lanegan and Joe Cardamone)

October 11, 2021 Lee Campbell

When Mark Lanegan teamed up with Joe Cardamone of The Icarus Line to release the 12″ single ‘Skeleton Joe Manifesto’ during the summer, it was difficult to foresee it being followed by a monster 16-track […]

INTERVIEW: Desperate Journalist - “There’s a joke in the band that there’s no guitars on this record. It’s simply not true.” 1
Featured Interview

INTERVIEW: Desperate Journalist – “There’s a joke in the band that there’s no guitars on this record. It’s simply not true.”

August 20, 2021 Lee Campbell

London band Desperate Journalist have recently released their fourth album, ‘Maximum Sorrow’, possibly their best yet. XS Noize caught up with Jo, Rob, Caroline & Simon to discuss the LP, unorthodox chord progressions, touring again […]

INTERVIEW: Ida Mae on new album ‘Click Click Domino’ - "We were able to push the envelope a little bit further" 1
Featured Interview

INTERVIEW: Ida Mae on new album ‘Click Click Domino’ – “We were able to push the envelope a little bit further”

July 26, 2021 Lee Campbell

Chris Turpin and Stephanie Jean, better known as Ida Mae, are back with their excellent second album, ‘Click Click Domino’. A fusion of Americana, rock ‘n’ roll, blues and folk, Lee Campbell spoke with the […]

CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran 2
Album Reviews

CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran

June 17, 2021 Lee Campbell

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 […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Gary Numan - Intruder 2
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Gary Numan – Intruder

May 17, 2021 Lee Campbell

Ageless synth-rocker Gary Numan is back with a fierce and fascinating 14th solo album. ‘Intruder’ is a perfect foil to the sounds of the broken wastelands on his 2017, ‘Savage’ album. Numan gives our battered […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Coral - Coral Island
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Coral – Coral Island

April 26, 2021 Lee Campbell

Merseysiders, The Coral, are back with a rollercoaster double-album that leaves you pining for candy-floss, slot machines and teen love in the fading summer dusk of our childhood amusement arcades. Their 2018 album, Move Through […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

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