Skip to main content
Trending
  • From Music to Digital Platforms: How Technology Is Transforming Entertainment Experiences
  • Snow Patrol announce huge outdoor show at St. Anne’s Park on 31st May 2026 with special guest Orla Gartland
  • Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Announce 2026 European Tour — Kicking Off June 10 at Malahide Castle, Ireland
  • Snow Patrol announce massive 2026 Crystal Palace Park show with Rag’n’Bone Man and Nieve Ella
  • DOVES Unearth Lost Track ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ Ahead of Upcoming ‘Best Of’ Collection
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Snow Patrol
          News

          Snow Patrol announce huge outdoor show at St. Anne’s Park on 31st May 2026 with special guest Orla Gartland

          October 7, 2025

          Iconic Northern Irish indie-rock band Snow Patrol have announced their live return with a huge outdoor show at St. Anne’s Park, Dublin on 31st May 2026. Joining Snow Patrol as very special guest is Orla Gartland. After playing to a […]

          Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
          News

          Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Announce 2026 European Tour — Kicking Off June 10 at Malahide Castle, Ireland

          October 7, 2025

          Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds return to Europe in summer 2026 for a monumental run of outdoor headline shows and festival appearances, beginning on 10 June at Malahide Castle, Ireland, and touring through Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic, […]

          Snow Patrol
          News

          Snow Patrol announce massive 2026 Crystal Palace Park show with Rag’n’Bone Man and Nieve Ella

          October 7, 2025

          Northern Irish alt-rock juggernauts Snow Patrol have today announced a huge, open-air show taking place at London’s Crystal Palace Park on Friday 3 July 2026. They’ll be joined on the day by evocative singer Rag […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra

          October 3, 2025

          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 […]

          Idlewild
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’

          October 3, 2025

          The band’s tenth album is their first self-titled release, and it just so happens to be a collection of songs that reflects their majestic, melodic beauty. For a band to reach a tenth record is […]

        • 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: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles Credit: Triffin Constantine
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles

          September 22, 2025

          Sludge, prog, and post-metal band Baroness played an emotional set at Lodge Room in the Highland Park neighbourhood of Los Angeles on Saturday, September 20th. The night was one of remembrance, playing their first two […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate "Inertia" with High-Energy London Launch Show Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate “Inertia” with High-Energy London Launch Show

          September 10, 2025

          To mark the release of their new album Inertia, Pendulum’s Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen brought an electrifying DJ set to HERE at Outernet in London on September 5th. The Australian outfit has long been […]

        • 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// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square © Bernie McAllister
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square

          August 17, 2025

          Putting the Fast in Belfast 7 once again proved why it has become a staple of the city’s summer music calendar. A packed Custom House Square buzzed with anticipation as fans from across generations gathered […]

          IN FOCUS// Bryan Adams Brings Joy and Nostalgia to Leeds on ‘Roll With the Punches’ Tour Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Bryan Adams Brings Joy and Nostalgia to Leeds on ‘Roll With the Punches’ Tour

          May 20, 2025

          Legendary Canadian rocker Bryan Adams brought his unstoppable energy to Leeds on May 10th as part of his Roll With the Punches tour — and it was nothing short of a euphoric celebration of life, […]

  • Gigs
        • Hans Zimmer
          Gigs

          Hans Zimmer: The ultimate fan’s guide

          August 27, 2025

          Hans Zimmer, the genius behind Hollywood’s most unforgettable scores, is back on tour with an electrifying live experience to share with his fans. From “Inception” to “Dune”, Zimmer is preparing to transform his soundscapes into […]

          Andrea Bocelli
          Gigs

          The ultimate fans guide to seeing Andrea Bocelli in Amsterdam

          August 21, 2025

          The Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, will be at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on March 29 and 30, 2026. The show will feature a mix of operatic tracks, pop songs, and classical repertoire. Bocelli is […]

          Eros Ramazzotti
          Gigs

          Eros Ramazzotti: Dates, venues, tickets and more

          August 18, 2025

          To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his breakout single, “Una Storia Importante”, Eros Ramazzotti will be performing live on some of the grandest stages across Europe, Latin America, and North America. Ramazzotti is a world-renowned […]

  • Interviews
        • Asha Maclean
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Asha Maclean on Her Single “Yoga,” Creative Roots, and Staying True to Herself

          June 25, 2025

          Asha Maclean grew up in a deeply creative household, so it’s little surprise that she emerged as a multitalented artist in her own right. Immersed in music and dance from a young age, she first […]

          DURAN DURAN
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Roger Taylor on the Rhythm of Duran Duran: Hits, Influences & Life on the Road

          June 19, 2025

          John Kearns talks to Duran Duran –  The Duran Duran European summer tour is now in full swing. The DD truck has already rolled into cities such as Antwerp, Amsterdam and Rome and will continue […]

          Stephen Moore
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Stephen Moore on Post Death Soundtrack’s New Album & HE IS ME

          June 12, 2025

          Post Death Soundtrack, the musical project of Stephen Moore, recently unveiled his fifth album, IN ALL MY NIGHTMARES I AM ALONE, a 30-track collection of songs ranging across the stylistic spectrum, including rock, Gothic rock, […]

  • Podcast
        • Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of "Ad Astra" | XS Noize Podcast #248
          Podcasts

          Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of “Ad Astra” | XS Noize Podcast #248

          October 1, 2025

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Rick McMurray looks back on 30 years of Ash and the rocket-fuel energy behind their new album Ad Astra. From teenage beginnings in Downpatrick to global stages, […]

          The Jacques
          Podcasts

          Finn O’Brien on The Jacques’ New Album “Make Repetition!” | XS Noize Podcast #247

          September 28, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube “Will would be proud of us, and he’d never have wanted his loss to stop us doing what we love.” — Finn O’Brien, […]

          Gary Numan
          Podcasts

          Gary Numan on “Telekon” at 45, Wembley Ghosts & His Glastonbury Debut | XS Noize Podcast #246

          September 24, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube In Episode #246 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Gary Numan — one of electronic music’s true pioneers — for a powerful conversation marking the 45th […]

  • About Us
  • Contribute
  • Home
  • Author
  • Michaelbarron
  • Page
  • 10

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
ALBUM REVIEW: Beirut - Artifacts
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Beirut – Artifacts

January 27, 2022 Michael Barron

What makes this double LP interesting is that it’s much more than an early EP compilation; it’s also a pre-history of Beirut and the story as to how Beirut frontman Zachary Condon’s musicology evolved. It […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Paul Draper - Cult Leader Tactics
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Paul Draper – Cult Leader Tactics

January 16, 2022 Michael Barron

Paul Draper returns with his second solo LP, Cult Leader Tactics which includes a fictitious self-help manual that he wrote whilst recording the LP. This satirical LP, his first since Six, details how one reaches […]

BOOK REVIEW: Ballad for Sophie by Filipe Melo and Juan Cavla
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Ballad for Sophie by Filipe Melo and Juan Cavla

January 11, 2022 Michael Barron

The year is 1997, the setting is France in the small French village of Cressy-la-Valoise, and a young lady seeks out an elderly gentleman living in what she describes as a “museum-like mansion”. What does […]

BOOK REVIEW: The Beatles - Get Back 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: The Beatles – Get Back

December 1, 2021 Michael Barron

In January 1969, Michael Lindsay-Hogg and his crew filmed The Beatles whilst they recorded in Twickenham Film Studios, Apple Studios on Saville Row in the West End of London and their live performance on top […]

INTERVIEW: The Levellers' Mark Chadwick - "This is the worst time I've ever known in my life" 2
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Levellers at Brixton Academy, London

November 29, 2021 Michael Barron

Everyone in the shy of five thousand capacity Brixton Academy was frozen solid. Many were still wearing coats, hats, scarves and gloves. Following a politically charged historical film short, The Levellers then addressed the stage […]

THE OFFSPRING announce headline Dublin show at 3Arena on 21st November 2021
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Offspring at Wembley Arena, London

November 28, 2021 Michael Barron

Before this “Let the Bad Times Roll” tour began, The Offspring was caught up with COVID issues. They decided not to invite drummer Pete Parada (who had toured with them since 2007) because he remained […]

LIVE REVIEW: Seth Lakeman at Union Chapel, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Seth Lakeman at Union Chapel, London

November 18, 2021 Michael Barron

In 2005 Seth Lakeman was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize for his sophomore LP Kitty Jay.  The following year, Freedom Fields was released, outselling its predecessor. 2021 marks 15 years since Freedom Fields’ release, […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Damon Albarn - The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Damon Albarn – The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows

November 8, 2021 Michael Barron

His last solo LP, Everyday Robots, took Damon Albarn back to Leytonstone in East London to reflect upon his childhood memories there. The Nearer the Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows is by far a […]

LIVE REVIEW: Rag'n'Bone Man at Jazz Café London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Rag’n’Bone Man at Hammersmith Apollo, London

November 7, 2021 Michael Barron

Rag’n’Bone Man was one of the first artists’ to return to the live stage as the lockdown restrictions started to ease where an emotional Rory, aka Rag’n’Bone Man, wowed the 300 capacity Jazz Café. When […]

BOOK REVIEW: Decades: Joy Division + New Order By John Aizlewood
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Decades: Joy Division + New Order By John Aizlewood

October 31, 2021 Michael Barron

The beginning of Decades: Joy Division + New Order started 45 years ago on 4th June 1976. The venue is the Lesser Free Trade Hall, and the bands playing are the Buzzcocks and the Sex […]

RICHARD ASHCROFT announces two more live acoustic evenings of his classic songs
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Richard Ashcroft at London Palladium

October 17, 2021 Michael Barron

Just three days before Richard Ashcroft’s 50th birthday XS Noize announced that he would release a new LP of his acoustic hits. With The Verve’s Urban Hymns just one year away from its 25th anniversary, […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Charlatans - A Head Full Of Ideas
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Charlatans – A Head Full Of Ideas

October 13, 2021 Michael Barron

It’s hard to believe that this year will mark 20 years since the 2001 Sainsbury’s Christmas advert featuring Chef Jamie Oliver where he goes Christmas shopping with his Nan. Of all the people he buys […]

LIVE REVIEW: Spiers & Boden at Spiers & Boden Festival, Cecil Sharp House, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Spiers & Boden at Spiers & Boden Festival, Cecil Sharp House, London

October 10, 2021 Michael Barron

Whilst the duo have played together for two decades, this festival marked the first live gig the duo had performed together in seven years. Spiers & Boden are best known for being part of the […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Wendy James Band at Islington Academy, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Wendy James Band at Islington Academy, London

October 2, 2021 Michael Barron

For many of Wendy James’ fans who followed her since her Transvision Vamp days back in the 1980s and early 1990s, 2021 will likely fill them with emotion as this year marks the 30th anniversary […]

LIVE REVIEW: Kings of Convenience at Royal Festival Hall, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kings of Convenience at Royal Festival Hall, London

October 1, 2021 Michael Barron

It’s very rare to find two Norwegian schoolchildren who began their musical adventures through the forum of rap to go on to form a guitar music folk duo whose debut album title Quiet Is the […]

INTERVIEW: The Levellers' Mark Chadwick - "This is the worst time I've ever known in my life" 2
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Mark Chadwick (The Levellers) – Camden Assembly Hall, London

September 26, 2021 Michael Barron

In March, XS Noize’s Lee Campbell caught up with The Levellers frontman to discuss many things, including the success of the Levellers 2020 LP Peace, being requested by Neil Young personally to support him, and […]

LIVE REVIEW: Damon Albarn at The Globe Theatre, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Damon Albarn at The Globe Theatre, London

September 22, 2021 Michael Barron

The Shakespeare’s Globe theatre is so old and famous that the two original buildings (1599 and 1654) featured on postage stamps in 1995. Slightly younger is Damon Albarn, aged 53, whose 1994 LP Parklife was depicted […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Lathums - How Beautiful Life Can Be
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Lathums – How Beautiful Life Can Be

September 21, 2021 Michael Barron

Despite this Wigan four-piece only being around since 2018, they are living proof that despite the pandemic bands need the opportunity to perform live to develop and build up their fan base. Prior to playing […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Muslims - Fuck These Fuckin Fascists
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Muslims – Fuck These Fuckin Fascists

September 20, 2021 Michael Barron

Conceived in 2017 following Donald Trump’s election victory, this Durham, North Carolina punk trio (who are all Muslims) formed as singer QADR says to express their “experiences that make you wake up and push back […]

LIVE REVIEW: Mew at Royal Festival Hall, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Mew at Royal Festival Hall, London

September 6, 2021 Michael Barron

In 2005, a largely unknown Danish band Mew swept the international scene with their fourth album And the Glass Handed Kites. This band’s breakthrough was unique because this effort departed from their previously more accessible […]

Posts pagination

« 1 … 9 10 11 … 20 »

LATEST REVIEWS

  • ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
    ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra
    October 3, 2025
  • Idlewild
    ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’
    October 3, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Coach Party – Caramel
    ALBUM REVIEW: Coach Party – Caramel
    October 1, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant with Suzi Dian – Saving Grace
    ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant with Suzi Dian – Saving Grace
    September 26, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Dave Hause – …and the Mermaid
    ALBUM REVIEW: Dave Hause – …And The Mermaid
    September 26, 2025
  • Amanda Shires - Nobody’s Girl
    ALBUM REVIEW: Amanda Shires – Nobody’s Girl
    September 26, 2025

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2025

Vuelio Top 10 Blog 2025 - XS Noize

Trending

  • Idlewild
    ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’
  • Belsonic 2026
    Belsonic 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Belfast’s Biggest Outdoor Festival
  • KRAFTWERK
    Electro Icons Kraftwerk Return: First UK Tour in Nearly a Decade – Belfast Waterfront Hall, May 18 2026
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
    ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra
  • Richard Ashcroft
    Richard Ashcroft Unveils New Single “Lovin’ You” – Title Track from Forthcoming Album
  • JAMES
    JAMES Announce “Nothing But Love” – The Definitive Best Of and 2026 UK Arena Tour Dates
  • LIVE REVIEW: Sigur Rós & The London Contemporary Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall
    LIVE REVIEW: Sigur Rós & The London Contemporary Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall
  • Doves
    DOVES Unearth Lost Track ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ Ahead of Upcoming ‘Best Of’ Collection
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Youtube
  • instagram
  • Spotify
  • Terms Of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2024 | XS Noize. Website by Skyhaven Media