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  • The Boxer Rebellion Confront the Noise of Modern Life on Striking New Single “Satellite Above”
  • Midge Ure Announces New Album ‘A Man Of Two Worlds’ — Out May 8
  • INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’
  • Alison Moyet to Play Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on November 3rd 2026
  • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
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  • News
        • The Boxer Rebellion
          News

          The Boxer Rebellion Confront the Noise of Modern Life on Striking New Single “Satellite Above”

          March 10, 2026

          As the world scrolls its way through life, transatlantic four-piece, The Boxer Rebellion get back to reality, condemning the invisible pressures of contemporary life in the age of constant observation on their latest single, “Satellite […]

          Midge Ure
          News

          Midge Ure Announces New Album ‘A Man Of Two Worlds’ — Out May 8

          March 10, 2026

          Today (10 March), acclaimed musician, producer, and songwriter Midge Ure announces his new album A Man Of Two Worlds, due for release on 8 May. In recent years Midge Ure has spent his time playing live, and not […]

          Alison Moyet
          News

          Alison Moyet to Play Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on November 3rd 2026

          March 9, 2026

          After 2024’s ‘Key’ album prompted a rediscovery of her solo catalogue and her first Top 10 chart position in eleven years, Alison Moyet now announces details of a unique UK and European headline tour which […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally

          March 6, 2026

          The moment has arrived at last for Harry Styles fans. Cool haircuts, ballet pumps, marathons, Italian cookery and an impeccably trousered appearance at the Brit Awards can all be set aside as HS4 has finally […]

          The Enemy - Social Disguises
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Enemy – Social Disguises

          March 4, 2026

          The long-dormant gears of Coventry’s favourite sons have finally ground back into motion. After the sleek, perhaps overly-polished synth-pop detour of 2015’s It’s Automatic, a record that left the band questioning their relevance and drifting […]

        • 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: Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins Unite for War Child at London’s Emerald Theatre Credit Wiktoria Wolny
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins Unite for War Child at London’s Emerald Theatre

          February 26, 2026

          In the heart of London’s Embankment, the recently opened Emerald Theatre feels part The Great Gatsby, part Emerald City — lavish, theatrical and unapologetically opulent. The room glows in rich green tones and, with its […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London photos by Martin
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London

          February 21, 2026

          Of Monsters and Men first broke through in 2010 after winning Músíktilraunir, Iceland’s annual Battle of the Bands. That early victory propelled the then-emerging collective onto the international stage, leading to a European Border Breakers […]

        • 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// 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 […]

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland Credit: Becca McCaffrey
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland

          January 11, 2026

          Biffy Clyro put on a brilliant show at the 3Arena on Saturday, 10 January, delivering a set that was as heavy and intense as it was open and emotional. The sold-out Dublin crowd were treated […]

  • 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
        • 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. […]

          Jordan Anthony
          Interviews

          Jordan Anthony on “Lost In LA”, Finding His Voice in LA & Dream Tour Plans

          February 10, 2026

          He may only be 20, but Perth-born, LA-based artist Jordan Anthony already has more experience within the music industry than many might expect. He was writing songs and playing instruments before he hit double digits, […]

          TAVE
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: TAVE Talks ‘Fly Away,’ Self-Discovery, and the Art of Letting Go

          November 11, 2025

          Rising artist TAVE has had an extraordinary journey — from earning a scholarship at just 13 and performing with some of music’s biggest names to now stepping into the spotlight with his deeply personal debut […]

  • Podcast
        • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
          Podcast

          Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274

          March 8, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with legendary U2 producer Steve Lillywhite to discuss his remarkable career working with the band and the creative process behind iconic albums including […]

          The Dream Machine
          Podcast

          “We’re Always Making Music for Ourselves” — The Dream Machine on ‘Fort Perch Rock’ | XS Noize Podcast #273

          March 4, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Zak and Matty from The Dream Machine to talk about Fort Perch Rock — the band’s third studio album and a record […]

          credit Yagub Allahverdiyev
          Podcast

          Archive’s Dave Pen on ‘Glass Minds’ and evolving after 30 years | XS Noize Podcast #272

          February 24, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Dave Pen of Archive to talk about Glass Minds — the band’s 13th studio album and a bold new chapter in a […]

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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: 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 […]

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 […]

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