Skip to main content
Trending
  • 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
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • 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 […]

  • About Us
  • Contribute
  • Home
  • Author
  • Michaelbarron
  • Page
  • 14

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: Asylums - Genetic Cabaret
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Asylums – Genetic Cabaret

July 9, 2020 Michael Barron

In 2018 after five years straight of touring and turbulence and releasing two LP’s; Southend-On-Sea based four-piece Asylums took six months off. Following a successful application for a grant from the PRS Foundation to make […]

BOOK REVIEW: Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Utopia Avenue by David Mitchell

July 6, 2020 Michael Barron

Utopia Avenue is the ninth novel by David Mitchell but is his first attempt at delving into the labyrinth of the late 1960’s music scene. From the opening line Mitchell festoons this novel with music […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Burning Condors - Live at Cowshed
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Burning Condors – Live at Cowshed

July 6, 2020 Michael Barron

When East London four-piece Lahayna split up in 2009 three quarters of Lahayna (Matthew Edun (guitar & backing vocals), Chris Church (bass & backing vocals) and Rory Littlebury (drums & percussion) joined forces with Marcus […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young - Homegrown
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young – Homegrown

June 22, 2020 Michael Barron

Initially scheduled for release in 1975 but shelved and replaced by Tonight’s the Night because Homegrown was “a little too personal” for Neil at the time is now being released. With legendary musicians, Levon Helm […]

BOOK REVIEW: Paul is Dead: When The Beatles Lost McCartney By Paolo Baron and Ernesto Carbonetti 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Paul is Dead: When The Beatles Lost McCartney By Paolo Baron and Ernesto Carbonetti

June 15, 2020 Michael Barron

If one is interested in finding out more about the Paul is Dead (P.I.D.) conspiracy theory Paul is Dead: When The Beatles Lost McCartney is not the best place to start looking. Paul is Dead […]

FEATURE: Pop Rocks vinyl figures 1
Features

FEATURE: Pop Rocks vinyl figures

June 9, 2020 Michael Barron

Andy Warhol brought us “Pop Art”, the BBC brought us “Top of the Pops”, Kellogg’s introduced us to “Snap, Crackle and Pop” and Simon Fuller brought us erm… “Pop Idol”. Now Funko has done something […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The 1975 - Notes on a Conditional Form
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The 1975 – Notes on a Conditional Form

May 18, 2020 Michael Barron

In an age where advertisers are told to keep their messages and sales pitches as concise as possible which has resulted in an increase in one-word titled LP’s and a surge of albums with seldom […]

BOOK REVIEW: Bob Marley in Comics by Sophie Blitman and Gaet's
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Bob Marley in Comics by Sophie Blitman and Gaet’s

May 11, 2020 Michael Barron

The word “Reggae” has different connotations for various people, but for Bob Marley, the word didn’t even have African or Caribbean connotations, let alone Jamaican; Marley traced this word to Spain which means “King’s music”. […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Sparks - A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Sparks – A Steady Drip, Drip, Drip

May 7, 2020 Michael Barron

With a career spanning over five decades and with Ron and Russell both being brothers, their ability to still be amicable to each other (let alone collaborate and make music together whilst trying to “Lighten […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Dears - Lovers Rock
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Dears – Lovers Rock

May 5, 2020 Michael Barron

There’s a direct line between the sort of doominess of No Cities Left and this album (Lovers Rock),” says frontman Murray. A. Lightburn. “You could go straight from Lovers Rock to No Cities Left and […]

BOOK REVIEW: J&K By John Pham
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: J&K By John Pham

May 4, 2020 Michael Barron

One expects many things from a graphic novel: deftly drawn original artwork; exciting plots and garrulous text abridged for comic speech and thought bubbles and an original theme. “J&K” goes even further and introduces readers […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Thundercat - It Is What It Is
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Thundercat – It Is What It Is

April 23, 2020 Michael Barron

Stephen Lee Bruner aka Thundercat is best known for producing Kendrick Lamar’s 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly earning Lee a Grammy. However there so much more to this jazz enthusiast than this.  Despite being […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Enter Shikari - Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Enter Shikari – Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible

April 1, 2020 Michael Barron

Beyond having a tenacious work ethic evidenced by Enter Shikari’s gruelling 2019 tour schedule (including their War Child show at The Dome) and releasing the standalone single “Stop the Clocks”; Enter Shikari’s strongest characteristic is […]

BOOK REVIEW: The Golden Sheep (part three) By Kaori Ozaki
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: The Golden Sheep (part three) By Kaori Ozaki

March 15, 2020 Michael Barron

After three months the wait to find out what happened to Tsugu, Sora, Yuushin and Sally (Asari) is now finally over. Music lovers were hooked line and sinker from the opening scene in part one […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Morrissey - I Am Not A Dog On A Chain
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Morrissey – I Am Not A Dog On A Chain

March 15, 2020 Michael Barron

When Morrissey released his last album, California Son, there was much hype around this release. The hype did not centre on the collaborators who joined Morrissey on this cover album such as Billie Joe Armstrong (Green […]

LIVE REVIEW: Morrissey Live at Wembley Arena
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Morrissey Live at Wembley Arena

March 15, 2020 Michael Barron

Amidst the packed Wembley arena, it is hard to believe that we living in a coronavirus pandemic or that the ongoing boycotts against Morrissey were taking place. There was no support act, instead, fans watched […]

EDITORS unveil stunning video for 'Upside Down' - Watch Now
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Editors at Wembley Arena, London

March 1, 2020 Michael Barron

You know a band has made it when following the release of six LP’s and a greatest hits album they can embark upon a series of arena dates. Like their debut album The Back Room, […]

LIVE REVIEW: Bastille at London Palladium, War Child UK
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Bastille at London Palladium, War Child UK

February 23, 2020 Michael Barron

Last year XS Noize had great pleasure in reviewing BRITs Week who together with O2 has brought some of the renowned acts including Ed Sheeran, alt-J and Enter Shikari who blew away the 500 capacity […]

LIVE REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys at Alexandra Palace, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys at Alexandra Palace, London

February 22, 2020 Michael Barron

Being on the cusp of becoming a quarter of a century old and three years and counting since they released an LP; people would naturally question if the Boston boys would be coming back. However […]

SAM LEE releases the official video for ‘The Garden Of England’ - Watch Now 2
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Sam Lee at EartH, Hackney, London

February 18, 2020 Michael Barron

As the crowd entered the seven hundred and fifty capacity Evolutionary Arts Hackney venue one could not miss a slogan deliberately laid down on the stage: “No Music On A Dead Planet”. It was clear […]

Posts pagination

« 1 … 13 14 15 … 21 »

LATEST PODCASTS

  • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
    Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
    March 8, 2026
  • The Dream Machine
    “We’re Always Making Music for Ourselves” — The Dream Machine on ‘Fort Perch Rock’ | XS Noize Podcast #273
    March 4, 2026
  • credit Yagub Allahverdiyev
    Archive’s Dave Pen on ‘Glass Minds’ and evolving after 30 years | XS Noize Podcast #272
    February 24, 2026
  • Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271
    Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271
    February 17, 2026
  • Mark Shaw - Then Jerico | XS Noize Podcast #270
    Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270
    February 10, 2026
  • Desertflowerboots_H - photo credit Sandrita Cardenas 1
    Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on creativity, chaos, and Wormslayer | XS Noize Podcast #269
    February 8, 2026

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2026

Trending Articles

  • ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, OccasionallyALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally March 6, 2026
  • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274 March 8, 2026
  • The WhoThe Who announce ‘Live at Eden Project’ – a powerful new live album capturing their 2023 orchestral performance March 6, 2026
  • Peter GabrielPeter Gabriel Unveils ‘What Lies Ahead’ from Upcoming Album o/i March 3, 2026
  • Dea MatronaDea Matrona Announce Second Album ‘Hate That I Care’ and Share Electrifying Title Track March 5, 2026
  • Global superstar ADELE returns with the release of her brand new single and video 'Easy On Me' 17 of Adele’s most successful hits August 11, 2024
  • Imagine Dragons11 of Imagine Dragons’ biggest selling hits April 10, 2025
  • Alison MoyetAlison Moyet to Play Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on November 3rd 2026 March 9, 2026
  • Bad Bunny6 of Bad Bunny’s biggest selling hits August 5, 2025
  • The CharlatansThe Charlatans Release Lyric Video for New Single ‘Appetite’ – Watch Now March 5, 2026

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Youtube
  • instagram
  • Spotify
  • Terms Of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2024 | XS Noize. Website by Skyhaven Media