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  • PAUL MCCARTNEY feature documentary ‘Man on the Run’ announced
  • PETER GABRIEL releases ‘The Court (Dark-Side Mix)’ from his forthcoming album i/o
  • LIVE REVIEW: Republica  – The Fire Station, Sunderland
  • IN FOCUS// The Subways at Scala, London
  • THE SHERLOCKS announce new album ‘People Like Me & You’ – Hear new single ‘Sirens’
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XS Noize | Online Music Magazine
  • News
        • Paul McCartne
          News

          PAUL MCCARTNEY feature documentary ‘Man on the Run’ announced

          February 5, 2023

          MPL and Polygram Entertainment, the film and television division of Universal Music Group, today announced a feature documentary that explores Paul McCartney’s extraordinary life following the breakup of The Beatles and how the love he […]

          Peter Gabriel
          Gigs

          PETER GABRIEL releases ‘The Court (Dark-Side Mix)’ from his forthcoming album i/o

          February 5, 2023

          Peter Gabriel releases the Dark-Side Mix of The Court, the second song from his forthcoming album i/o. The Sunday release coincides with this month’s full moon. The track is accompanied by a cover image featuring […]

          THE SHERLOCKS
          Gigs

          THE SHERLOCKS announce new album ‘People Like Me & You’ – Hear new single ‘Sirens’

          February 3, 2023

          The Sherlocks enter a newly reinvigorated supersonic stage in their career as they announce the 11th August release of their upcoming fourth album ‘People Like Me & You’. It’s the latest set from the indie/alt-rock […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          The Waeve
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Waeve – The Waeve

          February 2, 2023

          The Waeve sees Blur‘s Graham Coxon team up with Rose Elinor Dougall, of The Pipettes, to release their debut eponymous collection of ten songs that travel through genres. Elements of jazz, punk and rock combine […]

          Fucked Up – One Day
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Fucked Up – One Day

          January 28, 2023

          Throughout their three decades of existence, Fucked Up haven’t built up a reputation for doing things on a small scale. From enormous concept albums to twelve-hour performances, it’s obvious they like to take their time. […]

        • Book Reviews

          Ziggy Marley - Music Is In Everything
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Ziggy Marley – Music Is In Everything

          January 16, 2023

          Back in 2020, Ziggy Marley teamed up with Lisa Loeb to release a catchy and infectious song that will get people of all ages to sing along called “Music Is in everything”. This song which […]

          pop rock icons
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Pop Rock Icons by Philippe Margotin

          December 15, 2022

          Judging by the front cover, one might expect Pop Rock Icons to be festooned with infographics. It isn’t. Instead, it’s a collection of photographs depicting “London’s Swingin’ 60s & 70s”. Rather than homogenise and cluster […]

        • Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 25: Looking back at the orphan child in U2's discography 2
          Classic Albums

          ‘Pop’ at 25: Looking back at the orphan child in U2’s discography

          March 3, 2022

          In March of 1997, 25 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: Republica  – The Fire Station, Sunderland
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Republica  – The Fire Station, Sunderland

          February 4, 2023

          My first act after arriving at The Fire Station was to indulge myself in a spot of reminiscing. Back in the mid-1990s, we were treated to a great collection of female-fronted rock bands: Elastica with […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys – O2 City Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne © Iam Burn
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys – O2 City Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne

          January 17, 2023

          As I wandered towards the O2 City Hall, feeling the cold, January air around my face, I recalled that today was also known as Blue Monday. This is not a celebration of a classic New […]

        • 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// The Subways at Scala, London
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// The Subways at Scala, London

          February 4, 2023

          The Subways performed at Scala – London on the 2nd of February 2023. The band is currently on tour following the release of their new album ‘Uncertain Joys’. Billy Lunn, Charlotte Cooper and Camille Phillips […]

          TRIVIUM live at Ulster Hall, Belfast
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// TRIVIUM live at Ulster Hall, Belfast

          January 10, 2023

          What a way to kick off 2023, with the return of the mighty; Trivium! As the Deadmen & Dragons Tour landed in the Ulster Hall, Belfast, Northern Ireland, our photographer Marc Leach was reliving his […]

  • Gigs
        • Peter Gabriel
          Gigs

          PETER GABRIEL releases ‘The Court (Dark-Side Mix)’ from his forthcoming album i/o

          February 5, 2023

          Peter Gabriel releases the Dark-Side Mix of The Court, the second song from his forthcoming album i/o. The Sunday release coincides with this month’s full moon. The track is accompanied by a cover image featuring […]

          THE SHERLOCKS
          Gigs

          THE SHERLOCKS announce new album ‘People Like Me & You’ – Hear new single ‘Sirens’

          February 3, 2023

          The Sherlocks enter a newly reinvigorated supersonic stage in their career as they announce the 11th August release of their upcoming fourth album ‘People Like Me & You’. It’s the latest set from the indie/alt-rock […]

          Silent Running
          Gigs

          SILENT RUNNING release video for new single ‘Walking Wounded’ ahead of Limelight, Belfast gig

          February 3, 2023

          Belfast band Silent Running will play the Limelight, Belfast on Friday, March 3rd; but this isn’t the first time the band has played the venue. Lead singer Peter Gamble explained: “We’ve actually played the Limelight […]

  • Interviews
        • Gena Rose Bruce
          Featured Interview

          INTERVIEW: Gena Rose Bruce on the release of her much anticipated second album – Deep Is The Way

          January 24, 2023

          Melbourne singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Gena Rose Bruce sat down with XS Noize to talk about the release of her much anticipated second album, Deep Is The Way released on Friday 27th January. For anyone unfamiliar with […]

          Kaya Stewart
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Kaya Stewart talks ‘If Things Go South’ – her new short film & plans for 2023

          December 19, 2022

          Kaya Stewart has had a fantastic year. Her new album, If Things Go South, continues to win over fans and critics alike, and her short film of the same name is an award-winner. With 2023 […]

          NOT A TOY
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: NOT A TOY on new music & their highlights of 2022

          December 8, 2022

          Branson Hoog, Benji Spoliansky, Jeremy Marmor and TJ Wessel, AKA NOT A TOY, have had a particularly good year which has seen them release some great songs and delight fans on tour. With the year […]

  • Podcast
        • The Slow Readers Club
          Podcast

          INTERVIEW: The Slow Readers Club’s Aaron Starkie on new album ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’

          February 3, 2023

          In episode #116 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar catches up with The Slow Readers Club‘s Aaron Starkie to talk about their new record ‘Knowledge Freedom Power’ out on February 24th, 2023. Nothing – […]

          Billy Nomates
          Podcast

          INTERVIEW: Billy Nomates on her latest album CACTI

          January 25, 2023

          In episode #115 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar catches up with Bristol-based songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Tor Maries AKA Billy Nomates to talk about her latest album CACTI. Recorded at her flat and […]

          Black Star Riders
          Podcast

          INTERVIEW: Ricky Warwick of Black Star Riders on ‘The Wrong Side of Paradise’

          January 18, 2023

          In episode #114 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar catches up with Ricky Warwick of masters of anthemic rock ‘n’ roll Black Star Riders to talk about their fifth album ‘The Wrong Side of […]

  • About Us
  • Contribute
HomeAuthorsMichael Barron

Articles by Michael Barron

Xsnoize Author
Michael Barron
Michael first began writing whilst studying at university; reviewing the latest releases and live gigs. He has since contributed to the Fortean Times as well as other publications. Michael’s musical tastes vary from Indie to psychedelic, folk and dubstep.
Website
Bob Dylan
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bob Dylan – Fragments – Time Out Of Mind Sessions (1996 – 1997) The Bootleg Series Vol. 17

January 25, 2023 Michael Barron

Time Out of Mind upon its release in 1997 was the first album of original songs since the poorly received Under the Red Sky seven years earlier. Time Out of Mind, received impressive reviews and […]

Ziggy Marley - Music Is In Everything
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Ziggy Marley – Music Is In Everything

January 16, 2023 Michael Barron

Back in 2020, Ziggy Marley teamed up with Lisa Loeb to release a catchy and infectious song that will get people of all ages to sing along called “Music Is in everything”. This song which […]

IDLEWILD celebrates 25 years as a band with special November anniversary shows 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Idlewild at O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London

December 19, 2022 Michael Barron

Having an anniversary tour when a band’s significant album reached a poignant milestone is hardly an original concept. Still, with more artists doing these anniversary tours, they can be considered modern and part of the […]

pop rock icons
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Pop Rock Icons by Philippe Margotin

December 15, 2022 Michael Barron

Judging by the front cover, one might expect Pop Rock Icons to be festooned with infographics. It isn’t. Instead, it’s a collection of photographs depicting “London’s Swingin’ 60s & 70s”. Rather than homogenise and cluster […]

Kula Shaker
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kula Shaker at Shepherds Bush Empire, London

December 11, 2022 Michael Barron

With over 25 years of being, Kula Shaker has built live staples guaranteed to enchant and exhilarate fans old and new. As has become a tradition, the four-piece opened with “Hey Dude”, which instantly gained […]

NOFX - Double Album
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: NOFX – Double Album

December 8, 2022 Michael Barron

NOFX, throughout their almost four decades career, has been known for making controversial statements, and the band members have not become more mild-mannered as they enter their fifties. The latest being that the Beatles’ White […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Hoosiers at Heaven, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Hoosiers at Heaven, London

December 5, 2022 Michael Barron

In 2007 with several high-charting singles and a debut number-one album, it looked like The Hoosiers had found The Trick to Life. Their sophomore effort, The Illusion of Safety, made it into the top ten, […]

Bellowhead at Royal Albert Hall, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Bellowhead at Royal Albert Hall, London

November 15, 2022 Michael Barron

In 2010 Bellowhead made history when their third LP, Headonism, became the highest-selling independently released folk album of all time. The eleven-piece (before they disbanded in 2016) then released another two albums, which earned them […]

Lowlife - Payday
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Lowlife – Payday

November 14, 2022 Michael Barron

Lowlife consists of Jordan Cardy (RATBOY) and his backing band, Liam Haygarth and Harry Todd. The trio gelled so well together that they decided to form their own band and take a DIY approach to […]

LIVE REVIEW: Tim Burgess at Lafayette, Kings Cross, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Tim Burgess at Lafayette, Kings Cross, London

November 10, 2022 Michael Barron

From hosting countless listening parties, which brought thousands of people together during a period they were most needed, to being an accomplished author, the Charlatans frontman has proved he is a master of many trades. […]

DMAs
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: DMA’s at Camden Roundhouse, London

October 31, 2022 Michael Barron

DMA’s efforts following their 2018 LP For Now have seen the band increasingly adopt dance elements and synths alongside their jangly indie-rock sound. They have never had a single that has entered the UK charts, […]

Maximo Park
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Maximo Park at Camden Roundhouse, London

October 10, 2022 Michael Barron

The first thing one notices with the artwork from Maximo Park’s latest LP, Nature Always Wins, is the stunning post-impressionist thick oil-based brushstrokes depicting an unidentified being in the water. Concerning artwork, the Newcastle upon […]

Hard Fi
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Hard-Fi at O2 Kentish Town Forum

October 3, 2022 Michael Barron

The year is 2005. Phones still have rudimentary cameras, and social media, as it is today, is still in an inchoate state. No one filmed on their phones or updated their status during gigs. There […]

Xavier Rudd at Shepherds Bush Empire
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Xavier Rudd at Shepherds Bush Empire

September 30, 2022 Michael Barron

One of the things that makes a great artist is their diversity and plethora of ideas. Xavier Rudd, being of Aboriginal, Irish and Scottish heritage, was at an excellent advantage to develop many ideas, which […]

Dropkick Murphys - This Machine Still Kills Fascists
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys – This Machine Still Kills Fascists

September 28, 2022 Michael Barron

Almost two decades ago, Dropkick Murphys covered Woody Guthrie’s “Gonna Be A Blackout Tonight” on their 2003 album Blackout. The idea of using Guthrie’s unreleased lyrics for a future Dropkick Murphys album has since been […]

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls at Brixton Academy, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls at Brixton Academy, London

September 26, 2022 Michael Barron

Having won a scholarship to study at Eton College, Frank Turner always had potential. Along with his work ethic, sincerity and willingness to get people to participate and come together, his impact has been nothing […]

Sound within Sound by Kate Molleson
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Sound within Sound by Kate Molleson

September 24, 2022 Michael Barron

The number of biographies and autobiographies of artists is colossal, but what makes Sound within Sound unique is the largely unknown contributions of the ten twentieth-century artists Kate Molleson has featured. The one thing all […]

Manic Street Preachers - Know Your Enemy
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers – Know Your Enemy Reissue

September 13, 2022 Michael Barron

This twenty-first-anniversary edition of Know Your Enemy doesn’t feature the LP in its original track order. Instead, the first set of songs under the title of Door to the River feature, to use laypeople’s terms, […]

The Divine Comedy at Barbican Hall, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Divine Comedy at Barbican Hall, London

September 5, 2022 Michael Barron

The Divine Comedy’s five-night residency at the Barbican was initially billed for October 2020 to celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary. The Irish chamber pop band would chronologically play their first ten LPs back to back. […]

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Announce 2017 North American Tour
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at All Points East Festival, Mile End, London

August 29, 2022 Michael Barron

All Points East opened with Gorillaz headlining. Eight days in XS Noize caught up with The National, who were joined on stage by Fleet Foxes frontman Robin Pecknold. XS Noize also returned with headliners Nick […]

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