Skip to main content
Trending
  • From Music to Digital Platforms: How Technology Is Transforming Entertainment Experiences
  • Snow Patrol announce huge outdoor show at St. Anne’s Park on 31st May 2026 with special guest Orla Gartland
  • Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Announce 2026 European Tour — Kicking Off June 10 at Malahide Castle, Ireland
  • Snow Patrol announce massive 2026 Crystal Palace Park show with Rag’n’Bone Man and Nieve Ella
  • DOVES Unearth Lost Track ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ Ahead of Upcoming ‘Best Of’ Collection
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Snow Patrol
          News

          Snow Patrol announce huge outdoor show at St. Anne’s Park on 31st May 2026 with special guest Orla Gartland

          October 7, 2025

          Iconic Northern Irish indie-rock band Snow Patrol have announced their live return with a huge outdoor show at St. Anne’s Park, Dublin on 31st May 2026. Joining Snow Patrol as very special guest is Orla Gartland. After playing to a […]

          Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
          News

          Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds Announce 2026 European Tour — Kicking Off June 10 at Malahide Castle, Ireland

          October 7, 2025

          Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds return to Europe in summer 2026 for a monumental run of outdoor headline shows and festival appearances, beginning on 10 June at Malahide Castle, Ireland, and touring through Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic, […]

          Snow Patrol
          News

          Snow Patrol announce massive 2026 Crystal Palace Park show with Rag’n’Bone Man and Nieve Ella

          October 7, 2025

          Northern Irish alt-rock juggernauts Snow Patrol have today announced a huge, open-air show taking place at London’s Crystal Palace Park on Friday 3 July 2026. They’ll be joined on the day by evocative singer Rag […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra

          October 3, 2025

          Perennial 90’s power-pop heroes Ash return this autumn with their ninth studio album, Ad Astra. Now well into their fourth decade together, Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray continue to show that their knack […]

          Idlewild
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’

          October 3, 2025

          The band’s tenth album is their first self-titled release, and it just so happens to be a collection of songs that reflects their majestic, melodic beauty. For a band to reach a tenth record is […]

        • 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: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles Credit: Triffin Constantine
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles

          September 22, 2025

          Sludge, prog, and post-metal band Baroness played an emotional set at Lodge Room in the Highland Park neighbourhood of Los Angeles on Saturday, September 20th. The night was one of remembrance, playing their first two […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate "Inertia" with High-Energy London Launch Show Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate “Inertia” with High-Energy London Launch Show

          September 10, 2025

          To mark the release of their new album Inertia, Pendulum’s Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen brought an electrifying DJ set to HERE at Outernet in London on September 5th. The Australian outfit has long been […]

        • 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
        • 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
        • 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
        • Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of "Ad Astra" | XS Noize Podcast #248
          Podcasts

          Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of “Ad Astra” | XS Noize Podcast #248

          October 1, 2025

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Rick McMurray looks back on 30 years of Ash and the rocket-fuel energy behind their new album Ad Astra. From teenage beginnings in Downpatrick to global stages, […]

          The Jacques
          Podcasts

          Finn O’Brien on The Jacques’ New Album “Make Repetition!” | XS Noize Podcast #247

          September 28, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube “Will would be proud of us, and he’d never have wanted his loss to stop us doing what we love.” — Finn O’Brien, […]

          Gary Numan
          Podcasts

          Gary Numan on “Telekon” at 45, Wembley Ghosts & His Glastonbury Debut | XS Noize Podcast #246

          September 24, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube In Episode #246 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Gary Numan — one of electronic music’s true pioneers — for a powerful conversation marking the 45th […]

  • 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
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 […]

BOOK REVIEW: Hitsville UK By John Riordan and Dan Cox
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Hitsville UK By John Riordan and Dan Cox

February 13, 2020 Michael Barron

Originally released as comic segments annually as a seven-part series; these parts have now formed together to be released as a full-length graphic novel. As the title “Hitsville UK” indicates – this is a book […]

LIVE REVIEW: Howie Payne at Old Queens Head, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Howie Payne at Old Queens Head, London

February 6, 2020 Michael Barron

Howie Payne’s gigs of late have been one-man shows. So when Howie announced that he was doing his first full-band live show at the one hundred and eighty capacity venue, the Old Queens Head; this […]

LIVE REVIEW: Beverley Knight at Camden Roundhouse, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Beverley Knight at Camden Roundhouse, London

February 2, 2020 Michael Barron

Following Anaïs Mitchell’s outstanding performance at this years’  “In the Round” festival; Beverley Knight played out “In the Round” spectacularly. As part of a ten-piece band consisting of herself and a brass section and backing […]

LIVE REVIEW: Anaïs Mitchell at Camden Roundhouse, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Anaïs Mitchell at Camden Roundhouse, London

February 1, 2020 Michael Barron

To celebrate the fifth year of the “In the Round” festival at the Camden Roundhouse XS Noize was invited back to hear the best of what the 2020 line up had to offer. With previous […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Eminem - Music to Be Murdered By
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Eminem – Music to Be Murdered By

January 20, 2020 Michael Barron

Opening with “Premonition – Intro” – Eminem cuts to the chase concerning his bitterness over his previous LP, his tenth, Kamikaze not getting the reviews he expected. We see Slim Shady looking back over his […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Sam Lee - Old Wow
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Sam Lee – Old Wow

January 13, 2020 Michael Barron

Defining Sam Lee is a very onerous task as he is much more than just a folk musician. Lee has studied fine art, worked as a forager and wilderness expert and been a part-time burlesque […]

BOOK REVIEW: BOWIE: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams By Michael Allred, Steve Horton and Laura Allred 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: BOWIE: Stardust, Rayguns & Moonage Daydreams By Michael Allred, Steve Horton and Laura Allred

January 2, 2020 Michael Barron

The legacy of David Bowie’s death has been honoured with countless books, being chosen as the first solo artist to feature on an entire Royal Mail stamp set, having his own Trump card game and […]

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

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

December 17, 2019 Michael Barron

In part one of “The Golden Sheep” we were introduced to Tsugu, a girl who loves her electric guitar so much, that, along with her amp, it was the first thing she unpacked when she […]

THE ELECTRIC SOFT PARADE return with their 5th album ‘Stages’ - released on January 8th 2020
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Electric Soft Parade – Stages

December 17, 2019 Michael Barron

As The Electric Soft Parade has aged, the wait between albums has increased with almost seven years separating Stages and their previous fourth LP, IDIOTS. As extensive as this wait has been; The Electric Soft […]

BOOK REVIEW: Hardcore Anxiety: A Graphic Guide to Punk Rock and Mental Health By Reid Chancellor
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Hardcore Anxiety: A Graphic Guide to Punk Rock and Mental Health By Reid Chancellor

December 13, 2019 Michael Barron

Musician, hard-core and metal enthusiast Reid Chancellor initially conceived Hardcore Anxiety as a book about the venues and artists that changed his life. Reid then found he could do so much more with this book […]

LIVE REVIEW: Fontaines D.C. @ Rough Trade East, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Fontaines D.C. @ Rough Trade East, London

December 4, 2019 Michael Barron

Back in April, Dublin post-punk band Fontaines D.C. released their debut LP, Dogrel. What made (and still makes) Dogrel such a mesmerising album, wasn’t Dogrel’s innovation; but its authenticity, passion and ability to excite listeners […]

ALBUM REVIEW: IDLES - A Beautiful Thing: Live at Le Bataclan
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: IDLES – A Beautiful Thing: Live at Le Bataclan

December 2, 2019 Michael Barron

2019 has undoubtedly been a fantastic year for this Bristolian five-piece post-punk band. For virtually every music award in existence; there was at least one Idles nomination. Idles were nominated a record five times at […]

ELECTRIC SIX announce headline show at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire London on 30th November
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Electric Six – Live at Shepherds Bush Empire, London

December 1, 2019 Michael Barron

In 2003, Detroit six-piece, Electric Six, became a household name in the UK with hits from their debut LP, Fire, including “Danger! High Voltage”, “Dance Commander” and lest we forget “Gay Bar”. Whilst their commercial […]

Posts pagination

« 1 … 13 14 15 … 20 »

LATEST REVIEWS

  • ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
    ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra
    October 3, 2025
  • Idlewild
    ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’
    October 3, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Coach Party – Caramel
    ALBUM REVIEW: Coach Party – Caramel
    October 1, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant with Suzi Dian – Saving Grace
    ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant with Suzi Dian – Saving Grace
    September 26, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Dave Hause – …and the Mermaid
    ALBUM REVIEW: Dave Hause – …And The Mermaid
    September 26, 2025
  • Amanda Shires - Nobody’s Girl
    ALBUM REVIEW: Amanda Shires – Nobody’s Girl
    September 26, 2025

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2025

Vuelio Top 10 Blog 2025 - XS Noize

Trending

  • Idlewild
    ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’
  • Belsonic 2026
    Belsonic 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Belfast’s Biggest Outdoor Festival
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
    ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra
  • KRAFTWERK
    Electro Icons Kraftwerk Return: First UK Tour in Nearly a Decade – Belfast Waterfront Hall, May 18 2026
  • JAMES
    JAMES Announce “Nothing But Love” – The Definitive Best Of and 2026 UK Arena Tour Dates
  • Richard Ashcroft
    Richard Ashcroft Unveils New Single “Lovin’ You” – Title Track from Forthcoming Album
  • Doves
    DOVES Unearth Lost Track ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ Ahead of Upcoming ‘Best Of’ Collection
  • LIVE REVIEW: Sigur Rós & The London Contemporary Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall
    LIVE REVIEW: Sigur Rós & The London Contemporary Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Youtube
  • instagram
  • Spotify
  • Terms Of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2024 | XS Noize. Website by Skyhaven Media