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  • ALBUM REVIEW: Eve Adams – American Dust
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  • 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.
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BOOK REVIEW: Life in the Stocks: Various Conversations with Musicians & Creatives By Matt Stocks
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Life in the Stocks: Various Conversations with Musicians & Creatives By Matt Stocks

January 7, 2021 Michael Barron

With his Life in the Stocks podcast now entering its fourth year and notching 180 shows at the time of publication; Stocks decided to celebrate the impressive motley of musicians and comedians featured with their […]

BOOK REVIEW: Cliff Richard - The Dreamer
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Cliff Richard – The Dreamer

January 7, 2021 Michael Barron

In this chronological autobiography, Sir Cliff positively reflects over his life (80 years) and music career (over 60 years) stating that except for the “sex allegations” made against him, his “life has been a dream!” […]

BOOK REVIEW: Band for Life By Anya Davidson
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Band for Life By Anya Davidson

January 5, 2021 Michael Barron

“Band for Life” tell the story of the fictional five-piece (initially) noise music Chicago based band Guntit, founded, and led by Linda. Linda’s love for her band runs so deep that she even sells her […]

BOOK REVIEW: Music: A Fold-Out Graphic History 2
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Music: A Fold-Out Graphic History

November 30, 2020 Michael Barron

When James Boyle, Jennifer Jenkins & Keith Aoki wrote their graphic novel “Theft! A History of Music”, they begin in 1400 BC in Mesopotamia (Ancient Greece) where they traced the earliest use of musical notation […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Smashing Pumpkins - CYR
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Smashing Pumpkins – CYR

November 27, 2020 Michael Barron

CYR is The Smashing Pumpkins eleventh album and part two to 2018’s Shiny and Oh So Bright, Vol. 1 / LP: No Past. No Future. No Sun. Whilst releasing subsequent parts/chapters to LP’s is nothing […]

ALBUM REVIEW: AC/DC - Power Up
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: AC/DC – Power Up

November 12, 2020 Michael Barron

Affectionately known as “Acca Dacca” in their hometown Australia, this Sydney based act following their 2015-16 Rock or Bust tour were named as the year’s biggest-earning rock band during that period by Forbes Magazine. This […]

BOOK REVIEW: All Together Now - Hope Larson 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: All Together Now – Hope Larson

November 11, 2020 Michael Barron

Two years ago Hope Larson introduced us to 13-year-old Bina in All Summer Long who has a natural ear for music. Bina goes to her first gig, starts to take up the guitar and is […]

BOOK REVIEW: Hip Hop Family Tree Book 1: 1970s -1981 by Ed Piskor
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Hip Hop Family Tree Book 1: 1970s -1981 by Ed Piskor

October 30, 2020 Michael Barron

This New York Times best-selling series (completed in 2013) won the hearts and minds of American graphic novel critics. When NPR listed “Hip Hop Family Tree” in their 100 favourite graphic novels (of all genres) […]

ALBUM REVIEW: EELS - Earth to Dora
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: EELS – Earth to Dora

October 26, 2020 Michael Barron

“E”, aka Mark Oliver Everett is, unfortunately, no stranger to sadness and heartbreak. At 19 he found his father, Hugh Everett III dead. His sister Elizabeth committed suicide in 1996 and his mother Nancy died […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Bruce Springsteen - Letter To You 2
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bruce Springsteen – Letter To You

October 22, 2020 Michael Barron

As well as being the first time since Born in the U.S.A. that Springsteen and the E Street Band recorded live in the studio; Letter To You is “the only album where it’s the entire […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Mountain Goats - Getting Into Knives
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Mountain Goats – Getting Into Knives

October 19, 2020 Michael Barron

From being just a one-man band with a cassette deck boombox in the early nineties, John Darnielle has evolved his band The Mountain Goats into a four-piece whose material has featured in hit series including […]

BOOK REVIEW: Ninja Sex Party Origins: The Graphic Novel
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Ninja Sex Party Origins: The Graphic Novel

October 12, 2020 Michael Barron

“Inspired by The Lonely Island and Flight of the Conchords, Ninja Sex Party was initially about “a Jewish superhero who wears a unitard, with his best friend who’s a ninja, and together they sing songs […]

BOOK REVIEW: Joan Baez: The Last Leaf by Elizabeth Thomson
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Joan Baez: The Last Leaf by Elizabeth Thomson

September 27, 2020 Michael Barron

There is a well-known saying to fans in awe of their favourite musicians: “Don’t meet your heroes” or else you will be disappointed.  Thomson’s experience with Joan Baez is a testament that this saying is […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Public Enemy - What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down?
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Public Enemy – What You Gonna Do When The Grid Goes Down?

September 22, 2020 Michael Barron

The lyrics from Public Enemy’s 1989 hit “Fight the Power” has featured in many academic papers. “Elvis was a hero to most, But he never meant shit to me you see; Straight up racist, that […]

ALBUM REVIEW: IDLES - Ultra Mono
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: IDLES – Ultra Mono

September 18, 2020 Michael Barron

Following the release of their acclaimed second LP Joy as an Act of Resistance in 2018, IDLES has gone on to win several awards including two 2019 AIM Awards and dropped a live LP, A […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Will Butler - Generations
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Will Butler – Generations

September 14, 2020 Michael Barron

Best known as the Arcade Fire frontman and co-founder Win Butler’s little brother (well he is younger and shorter than Win who is 6”4”) who plays synthesizers, bass guitar, guitar, percussion, sitar, amongst other instruments; […]

ALBUM REVIEW: FatNick - This Is Not A Chiptune
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: FatNick – This Is Not A Chiptune

September 8, 2020 Michael Barron

You may have come across “Chiptune” (“a type of music comprised of 8-bit music and sounds and sometimes modern-day percussion, resembling old video games” with “an extremely upbeat melody”). Japanese Electronic band Yellow Magic Orchestra […]

REVIEW: Handel & Hendrix in London Museum, Brook Street, London
Reviews

REVIEW: Handel & Hendrix in London Museum, Brook Street, London

August 26, 2020 Michael Barron

With COVID 19 taking its toll by closing music venues, festivals, museums and galleries; the only live events that you are likely to have seen since mid-March have probably been live streams. Thankfully some places […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Killers - Imploding the Mirage
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Killers – Imploding the Mirage

August 18, 2020 Michael Barron

Whilst The Killers are a Nevada, US-based band, their British connection is just as potent; for it was in 2004 behind the Brixton Academy where Brandon Flowers first met fans of his band wearing “The […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Levellers - Peace
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Levellers – Peace

August 10, 2020 Michael Barron

For over three decades the Levellers has consistently given the public authentic, relevant, thought-provoking and feet tapping classics.  Unlike so many bands that were conceived in the late eighties and enjoyed chart success in the […]

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LATEST REVIEWS

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