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  • Placebo Share Reworked ‘Lady of the Flowers’ From Forthcoming Album Placebo Re:Created
  • Peter Gabriel Shares New Track ‘Won’t Stand Down’ From Forthcoming Album o\i
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy
  • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
  • Natalie Imbruglia announces new album ‘Algorithm’ and shares new single ‘Upside Down’
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  • News
        • Placebo
          News

          Placebo Share Reworked ‘Lady of the Flowers’ From Forthcoming Album Placebo Re:Created

          May 1, 2026

          Today, Placebo release the newly reworked version of Lady of the Flowers, the second track to be shared from their forthcoming new album Placebo Re:Created, set for release 19th June 2026 via Elevator Lady Ltd through AWAL. Listen to Lady of the Flowers […]

          Peter Gabriel
          News

          Peter Gabriel Shares New Track ‘Won’t Stand Down’ From Forthcoming Album o\i

          May 1, 2026

          The flower moon of 1 May, 2026 is the first of two full moons in the month, and with it comes the release of the fifth song from Peter Gabriel’s forthcoming album o\i. Won’t Stand […]

          Natalia Imbruglia
          News

          Natalie Imbruglia announces new album ‘Algorithm’ and shares new single ‘Upside Down’

          April 29, 2026

          Natalia Imbruglia is known to millions as the star behind the global hit ‘Torn’ which remains one of the defining songs of the nineties. It started a phenomenal run of success which has included two BRIT Awards, three Grammy nominations, a Silver […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters - Your Favourite Toy
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy

          April 30, 2026

          If But Here We Are was the funeral, Your Favorite Toy is the violent, jagged intake of breath that follows – a resurrection that is dangerously alive. On their twelfth studio outing, Dave Grohl and gang […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck - Optimizer
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck – Optimizer

          April 21, 2026

          The dormant gears of Chicago’s post-punk stalwarts have finally ground back into motion. Following a three-year break, Stuck return with Optimizer, a record that suggests the only way to navigate a collapsing world is to […]

        • 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

          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 […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring 'The Mountain' to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut Credit: Luke Dyson
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring ‘The Mountain’ to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut

          April 1, 2026

          Gorillaz finally made it to Belfast — and instead of rolling out a greatest hits set, they came in with something very different. Support came from Argentine rapper, singer and songwriter Trueno, and I’ve never […]

        • 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
        • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
          Podcast

          Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282

          April 29, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Glen Hansard for a warm, honest and deeply reflective conversation about his new live/studio album, Don+t Settle – (Vol 1 Transmissions […]

          Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
          Podcast

          Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281

          April 22, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Miles Hunt for a candid, funny and reflective conversation marking 40 years of The Wonder Stuff. You can watch the full […]

          Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
          Podcast

          Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280

          April 14, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Carol Decker for a candid, funny and revealing conversation about T’Pau’s return with the new album Be Wonderful. You can watch […]

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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
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 […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers - The Ultra Vivid Lament
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers – The Ultra Vivid Lament

August 29, 2021 Michael Barron

Twenty-nine years ago, the Manic Street Preachers released their debut LP, Generation Terrorists. Now they release their 14th: The Ultra Vivid Lament. What has changed? What is different about this new offering? In discussing this […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Villagers - Fever Dreams
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Villagers – Fever Dreams

August 18, 2021 Michael Barron

When Villagers recorded their previous LP The Art of Pretending to Swim, frontman Conor O’Brien reflected on his addiction to constantly checking his mobile phone, extortionate rising house prices and being influenced by Ada Lovelace, […]

REVIEW: Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, London 1
Features

REVIEW: Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, London

August 7, 2021 Michael Barron

In light of Covid, which shut down live music, there has been much discussion about how to bring the live act, venue and gig-goers together without either of them being physically together. Melody VR has […]

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