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  • Grammy-Winning Star Cam Announces ‘The Slow Down Tour’ With Dates In Glasgow, Belfast, Manchester, Birmingham & London
  • PICTURE THIS Announce Huge Christmas Shows at Dublin’s 3Arena & Belfast’s SSE Arena
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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • 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 […]

          Skerryvore
          News

          Skerryvore Mark 20 Years with ‘XX – Live At Floors Castle’

          August 18, 2025

          Skerryvore have risen from modest roots to become a band able to embark upon global touring adventures, in the process also rising up the UK charts and landing a wealth of key airplay. So when […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Woody Guthrie – Woody At Home Volumes 1 & 2
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Woody Guthrie – Woody At Home Volumes 1 & 2

          August 13, 2025

          We are closing in on the 58th anniversary of Woody Guthrie’s death; complications from Huntington’s Disease finally sealed his fate on October 3rd, 1967. Despite the lengthy time that has passed, his fingerprints are still […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Richard Hawley - Coles Corner (20th Anniversary)
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Richard Hawley – Coles Corner (20th Anniversary)

          August 6, 2025

          When Coles Corner arrived in 2005, Richard Hawley had recently moved from Setanta to Mute Records, but musically, he was still rooted in the same soil — Sheffield. On paper, it could have been dismissed […]

        • 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
        • 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 […]

          Cam – Behind the Songs of 'All Things Light' and Life After a Grammy | XS Noize Podcast #238
          Podcasts

          Cam – “All Things Light”: Behind the Songs & Grammy Reflections | XS Noize Podcast #238

          July 30, 2025

          In Episode #238 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Cam to talk about her new album, All Things Light. From her multi-platinum hit “Burning House” to co-writing on Beyoncé’s […]

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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
LIVE REVIEW: SYML @ Kings Cross Scala, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: SYML @ Kings Cross Scala, London

October 30, 2019 Michael Barron

SYML means “Simple” in Welsh, however, whilst this solo project of Brian Fennel (Barcelona) is pure and honest; the electronic and haunting mystical innovations (alongside organic instruments such as the acoustic guitar) make this outfit […]

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

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

October 20, 2019 Michael Barron

The manga graphic novel is nothing new, it originated in Japan many decades ago. Unfortunately few manga graphic novels (especially not music related manga novels) get translated into English so an audience outside Japan can’t […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Divine Comedy at Hammersmith Apollo, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Divine Comedy at Hammersmith Apollo, London

October 18, 2019 Michael Barron

It is hard to believe that this band from Enniskillen, Northern Ireland celebrated their third decade as a musical outfit this year. Whilst a knighthood may not be within Neil Hannon’s reach, his unique blend […]

LIVE REVIEW: King Nun at Kentish Town Forum
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: King Nun at Kentish Town Forum

October 17, 2019 Michael Barron

Having just released their debut LP, Mass, King Nun took to the road. XS Noize found Mass an impressive debut. King Nun would now be tested on how well this material would stand up live. […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Joy Formidable - 'A Balloon Called Moaning' - 10th Anniversary Edition
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Joy Formidable – ‘A Balloon Called Moaning’ – 10th Anniversary Edition

October 10, 2019 Michael Barron

A Balloon Called Moaning is evidently very special to the welsh trio The Joy Formidable, for this release is being celebrated as an expanded double-disc release with an accompanying special stripped back welsh language version. […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Sherlocks - Under Your Sky
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Sherlocks – Under Your Sky

October 10, 2019 Michael Barron

Two years ago the Bolton upon Dearne quartet charted impressively with their debut LP Live for the Moment, entering the top ten. Before they were signed, The Sherlocks became the first unsigned act since the […]

ALBUM REVIEW: King Nun - Mass
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: King Nun – Mass

October 5, 2019 Michael Barron

Whilst frontman Theo Polyzoides admitted to being “such a loser in secondary school”, there must have been some concealed and opaque potential which was discovered by his English teacher at college. This potential evidently soared […]

LIVE REVIEW: Murray. A. Lightburn at Union Chapel, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Murray. A. Lightburn at Union Chapel, London

October 2, 2019 Michael Barron

Murray. A. Lightburn is no stranger to XS Noize. XS Noize has delighted in reviewing Lightburn’s band The Dears spectacular electric-rock shows as well as his first solo show outside of his hometown Canada at […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Elbow - Giants of all Sizes
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Elbow – Giants of all Sizes

September 30, 2019 Michael Barron

Throughout their almost three-decade career Elbow have encountered many challenging and potentially catastrophic events that would result in their premature extinction. The most recent event was drummer Richard Jupp’s departure just before Elbow began work […]

BOOK REVIEW: Heavy Vinyl: RIOT ON THE RADIO  By Usdin, Vakueva, Flores and Nalty
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Heavy Vinyl: RIOT ON THE RADIO By Usdin, Vakueva, Flores and Nalty

September 24, 2019 Michael Barron

Whether one is a fan of Charli XCX and Troye Sivan’s hit “1999” earlier this year or not; it inevitably must have roused nostalgia amongst music fans of a certain age. Heavy Vinyl goes back […]

REVIEW: David Bowie - Trump Card Game 1
Book Reviews

REVIEW: David Bowie – Trump Card Game

September 24, 2019 Michael Barron

Whilst digital and streaming consumption of music itself is increasingly outmanoeuvring physical music sales; XS Noize has shown that the demand for music-related products from graphic novels to card games is increasing. XS Noize has […]

LIVE REVIEW: Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind, The Garage, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind, The Garage, London

September 23, 2019 Michael Barron

Jim Jones and the Righteous Mind are less than five years old; yet their history goes back further to the Jim Jones Review, which folded in 2014. Out of the ashes of the Jim Jones […]

LIVE REVIEW: Proms in the Park, Hyde Park, London 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Proms in the Park, Hyde Park, London

September 15, 2019 Michael Barron

Known as “Last Night of the Proms”, XS Noize was invited to the sold-out event at Hyde Park, London which in line with tradition took place on the second Saturday in September. Traditionally seen as […]

LIVE REVIEW: Carl Barât & Peter Doherty @ Somewhere Festival, Hackney Empire, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Carl Barât & Peter Doherty @ Somewhere Festival, Hackney Empire, London

September 7, 2019 Michael Barron

The longevity of The Libertines was always a bone of contention. Having split up in 2004, both Barât and Doherty moved on to several new bands and solo projects. After a six-year wait there was […]

BOOK REVIEW: Theft! A History of Music By James Boyle, Jennifer Jenkins & Keith Aoki
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Theft! A History of Music By James Boyle, Jennifer Jenkins & Keith Aoki

September 5, 2019 Michael Barron

Whilst listening to music and discovering new artists and genres of music, along with the antics and personal lives of some musicians can be mesmerising, live changing, fun or just hilarious; studying the history of […]

XS NOIZE at AIM Independent Music Awards 2019 2
Live Reviews

XS NOIZE at AIM Independent Music Awards 2019

September 4, 2019 Michael Barron

AIM CEO Paul Pacifico promised to do “something spectacular” to mark the twentieth anniversary of the independent music awards. With seven out of ten of the Mercury Music Prize nominees being AIM members; there is […]

Moonhead and the Music Machine  By Andrew Rae 1
Book Reviews

Moonhead and the Music Machine By Andrew Rae

August 22, 2019 Michael Barron

Everyone knows or has one; a scatterbrain who would literally lose their head if it weren’t screwed on to their body. The reader through “Moonhead and the Music Machine” gets as close to finding out […]

MELTDOWN FESTIVAL returns to London Southbank Centre 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Johnny Marr @ Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London

August 9, 2019 Michael Barron

Following an amazing kick-off to the Meltdown Festival by Nile Rodgers & CHIC, the “Good Times” rolled on with Johnny Marr with support from the Mystery Jets. At a first glance, the choice of Johnny […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Ezra Furman - Twelve Nudes
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Ezra Furman – Twelve Nudes

August 7, 2019 Michael Barron

“Twelve Nudes”, is an intriguing title for Furman’s seventh offering with a band. What does “Twelve Nudes” mean? The album cover offers six nudes with ten black bars (as well as other improvisations) to cover […]

BOOK REVIEW: Biographic Hendrix By Liz Flavell 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Biographic Hendrix By Liz Flavell

August 6, 2019 Michael Barron

Ammonite Press has released a biographic series of books telling the stories of famous musicians using infographics. Infographics use icons to represent the subject matter. The idea is there is an instant recognition of “how […]

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