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  • ALBUM REVIEW: Eve Adams – American Dust
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Nova Twins – Parasites & Butterflies
  • Hothouse Flowers Announced as Headliners for Belfast Maritime Festival – Saturday 6th September
  • The National’s Matt Berninger on His New Solo Album ‘Get Sunk’ & European Tour | XS Noize Podcast #241
  • Grammy-Winning Star Cam Announces ‘The Slow Down Tour’ With Dates In Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester, Birmingham & London
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  • News
        • Hothouse Flowers
          News

          Hothouse Flowers Announced as Headliners for Belfast Maritime Festival – Saturday 6th September

          August 20, 2025

          Belfast Maritime Festival returns on the 6th-7th September with a brand-new addition to its programme- an evening music gig. In an exciting first for the festival, legendary Irish rock band Hothouse Flowers will headline the […]

          Cam
          News

          Grammy-Winning Star Cam Announces ‘The Slow Down Tour’ With Dates In Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester, Birmingham & London

          August 19, 2025

          Today, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Cam has announced a headline tour through the US, UK, and EU, dubbed The Slow Down Tour. The US dates kick off on October 20th at The Gramercy Theatre in NY, making stops in Chicago, Nashville, […]

          picture this
          News

          PICTURE THIS Announce Huge Christmas Shows at Dublin’s 3Arena & Belfast’s SSE Arena

          August 19, 2025

          PICTURE THIS have announced details of a major Belfast show this Christmas. The band will play the SSE Arena, Belfast, on 27th and the 3Arena, Dublin on 29th December 2025 as part of their special […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Eve Adams – American Dust
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Eve Adams – American Dust

          August 20, 2025

          On American Dust, Eve Adams draws inspiration from her years living in the high desert of California—a landscape where wind and sand coat everything in a veil of history. “The same swirling dust that clung […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Nova Twins - Parasites & Butterflies
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Nova Twins – Parasites & Butterflies

          August 20, 2025

          Following the breakout success of their aptly named sophomore album Supernova (2022), Nova Twins — Amy Love and Georgia South — found themselves facing a new kind of pressure. “We had to figure out a […]

        • 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

          Chase & Status
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Chase & Status – All Points East, Victoria Park

          August 18, 2025

          Dance and electronic music have steadily carved out their place at Victoria Park, and All Points East 2025 proved no exception. Following on from LCD Soundsystem’s 2024 showcase, which paired them with acts like Joy […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Ferocious Dog at The Fire Station, Sunderland Credit: Iam Burn
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Ferocious Dog at The Fire Station, Sunderland

          August 18, 2025

          The Fire Station in Sunderland has been running a season of outdoor performances called ‘Summer Parties’ throughout August. Think of it as a festival across a month instead of lots of performers in one day. […]

        • 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
        • 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 […]

          Tokio Hotel
          Gigs

          Everything you need to know about seeing Tokio Hotel perform in London

          August 16, 2025

          Get ready for an electrifying performance as the German rock band Tokio Hotel will begin their 2026 global run with a show at the iconic OVO Hydro Arena in London. Tokio Hotel is a German […]

          Lady Gaga
          Gigs

          Possible setlist for Lady Gaga’s Mayhem Ball Tour show in London

          August 13, 2025

          The enigmatic Lady Gaga is redefining the art of live performance with her highly anticipated Mayhem Ball Tour which began in July 2025. This is her first arena tour since 2018, bringing a theatrical, gothic-inspired […]

  • 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
        • Matt Berninger (The National) on His New Solo Album ‘Get Sunk’ | XS Noize Podcast #241
          Podcasts

          The National’s Matt Berninger on His New Solo Album ‘Get Sunk’ & European Tour | XS Noize Podcast #241

          August 20, 2025

          In Episode #241 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar chats with Matt Berninger — frontman of The National and acclaimed solo artist — about his brand-new album Get Sunk. Best known for his […]

          The Subways
          Podcasts

          The Subways: 20 Years of ‘Young For Eternity’ & What’s Next | XS Noize Podcast #240

          August 13, 2025

          In Episode #240 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Billy Lunn and Charlotte Cooper,  from The Subways, to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album Young For Eternity and the […]

          XS Noize Podcast #239 – Bob Stanley on Saint Etienne’s final album International
          Podcasts

          Bob Stanley on Saint Etienne’s Final Album “International” and 30 Years of Music | XS Noize Podcast #239

          August 6, 2025

          In Episode #239 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Bob Stanley from Saint Etienne to discuss the legendary band’s 13th and final album, International. For over 30 years, Saint Etienne have […]

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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: Left Field Messiah - In Praise of Bombast
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Left Field Messiah – In Praise of Bombast

July 20, 2021 Michael Barron

What do you get when musicians from two different pop-tinted indie bands, Steve Bays (Hot Hot Heat) and Erik Janson (Wildling), get together with a member of a pop band? Jeremy Ruzumna (Fitz and The […]

BOOK REVIEW: Love Me Please: The Story of Janis Joplin  By Nicolas Finet, Christopher and Degreff
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Love Me Please: The Story of Janis Joplin By Nicolas Finet, Christopher and Degreff

July 14, 2021 Michael Barron

Affectionately known as Pearl, this outsider who was bullied and abused for being different was able to rise above the cultural barriers of her hometown and period she lived in to become an international star […]

BOOK REVIEW: TOPP: Promotor Gary Topp Brought Us the World
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: TOPP: Promotor Gary Topp Brought Us the World

July 5, 2021 Michael Barron

You will have almost definitely heard of the artists that Gary Topp first brought to Canada, including The Police and The Ramones. Author David Collier who worked with Gary believes Gary’s cultural impact in opening […]

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

LIVE REVIEW: Rag’n’Bone Man at Jazz Café London

July 1, 2021 Michael Barron

It is fair to say that Rag‘n’Bone Man had some luck in his corner as he played out his third and final nights’ residency at the Jazz Café in Camden, London. England has just beaten […]

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Odell - Jazz Café, Camden, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Odell – Jazz Café, Camden, London

June 24, 2021 Michael Barron

Whilst Lily Allen’s short-lived “In the Name Of” record label, which Sony Music backed, was noted for an absence of quantity of successful artists; this label nonetheless left an impressive legacy of quality artists in […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Benjamin Francis Leftwich - To Carry A Whale
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Benjamin Francis Leftwich – To Carry A Whale

June 18, 2021 Michael Barron

The making of To Carry A Whale was literally a journey in itself being recorded in Tottenham, Southend (in Sam Duckworth’s (Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly) studio) and Niagara. More poignantly, To Carry A Whale […]

BOOK REVIEW: Orwell - by Pierre Christin & Sébastien Verdier
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Orwell – by Pierre Christin & Sébastien Verdier

June 7, 2021 Michael Barron

With this graphic novel being divided into three parts, just like George Orwell’s most resound novel 1984; one may expect that Verdier’s effort may disproportionately focus on 1984 and Orwell’s previous offering Animal Farm; the […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Black Midi - Cavalcade
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Black Midi – Cavalcade

May 24, 2021 Michael Barron

It would be very easy for any band after being nominated for a Mercury Prize for their debut effort to take this as confirmation from the gods that they now have a winning formula and […]

BOOK REVIEW: Wuvable Oaf: Blood & Metal By Ed Luce
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Wuvable Oaf: Blood & Metal By Ed Luce

May 21, 2021 Michael Barron

Who is Wuvable Oaf? He goes by the name of Goteblud, is extremely hairy and a wrestler. Goteblud is no ordinary wrestler; he dresses up as the devil and uncontrollably shoots blood at his opponents […]

BOOK REVIEW: Zebedee And The Valentines by Abs Bailey
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Zebedee And The Valentines by Abs Bailey

April 27, 2021 Michael Barron

The year is 1982, and the setting is a small suburban town in the South West of England. The specific town name itself was irrelevant, as was the name of the pub this four-piece punk-ish […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys - Turn Up That Dial
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys – Turn Up That Dial

April 27, 2021 Michael Barron

One would not expect an American Celtic punk band to take authenticity and staying true to oneself and one’s roots seriously when that band name is rooted in an alcohol-detoxification facility. Nonetheless, honesty and authenticity […]

BOOK REVIEW: Bob Dylan - No Direction Home (Revised illustrated edition) By Robert Shelton 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Bob Dylan – No Direction Home (Revised illustrated edition) By Robert Shelton

April 9, 2021 Michael Barron

Initially proposed by the author in 1965 and finally released in 1986, an expanded edition followed in 2011 for Dylan’s 70th birthday.  An expanded hardback illustrated edition with 150 images “aimed at a younger audience” […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Antlers - Green to Gold
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Antlers – Green to Gold

March 23, 2021 Michael Barron

In 2000, Oasis released the single “Sunday Morning Call”, seven years earlier in 1993, Oasis’ brit-pop rivals Blur released “Sunday Sunday”. The Antlers singer and primary songwriter Peter Silberman decided to do something bolder with […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Kings Of Leon - When You See Yourself
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Kings Of Leon – When You See Yourself

March 3, 2021 Michael Barron

Despite emerging on the music scene in the early 2000s in hippy style dress with a strong Nashville sound to their rock style, it was the Brit’s who first embraced the Followills, not the Americans. […]

BOOK REVIEW: Tenacious D - Post Apocalypto
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Tenacious D – Post Apocalypto

February 26, 2021 Michael Barron

Festooned with copious cartoon dicks and nudity, where full anatomies are exposed where even the robot has a fully functioning “pussy”,; one would hardly think that Post Apocalypto would contain an Aesop style fable. Nonetheless, […]

BOOK REVIEW: Albion’s Secret History - Guy Mankowski
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Albion’s Secret History – Guy Mankowski

February 18, 2021 Michael Barron

For Guy, the places where important cultural changes and new ideas emerged (such as a new style of music in venues and clubs) are just as important as the cultural changes themselves.  For instance, Mankowski […]

BOOK REVIEW: Michael Jackson in Comics By Céka
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Michael Jackson in Comics By Céka

February 4, 2021 Michael Barron

Who would have thought that the eighth child to a crane operator living in a two-bedroom house would one day go on to be the biggest selling artist of all time? Was this due to […]

BOOK REVIEW: Willie Nelson: A Graphic History - T.J. Kirsch
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Willie Nelson: A Graphic History – T.J. Kirsch

January 29, 2021 Michael Barron

It’s hard to imagine a “wild” kid nicknamed “booger red” by his peers because he picked his “nose out of nervousness” rising to international acclaim in the music industry the way Willie Nelson did. Told […]

ALBUM REVIEW: King Baal - Conjurements
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: King Baal – Conjurements

January 25, 2021 Michael Barron

Describing their music as “Somewhere between Doom, Symphonic and pure Heavy Metal”; this Portuguese four-piece concept is based on “King Solomon’s Lemegeton” (also known as The Lesser Key of Solomon or Clavicula Salomonis Regis – […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Goat Girl - On All Fours
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Goat Girl – On All Fours

January 24, 2021 Michael Barron

The day Brexit was voted for remains tragic for millions. For this post-punk band, that day wasn’t all bad since they got signed to Rough Trade. With drive and good humour (they are named after […]

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