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  • 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
  • Nerina Pallot Announces Biggest Ever Headline Show at Royal Albert Hall to Celebrate 25 Years of Music
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  • News
        • 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 […]

          Nerina Pallot
          News

          Nerina Pallot Announces Biggest Ever Headline Show at Royal Albert Hall to Celebrate 25 Years of Music

          March 6, 2026

          The BRIT and Ivor Novello nominee Nerina Pallot is in the midst of an organic resurgence. Building a powerful personal connection directly with fans led to her selling out the London Palladium in 2024 – […]

  • 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
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 […]

LIVE REVIEW: Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London

August 5, 2019 Michael Barron

The longest-running artist-curated festival in the world has just kicked off. The festival, now in its twenty-sixth year is called Meltdown and this year is curated by Nile Rodgers. To open the festival, Nile not […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Emily & the Simons - Firelight
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Emily & the Simons – Firelight

August 2, 2019 Michael Barron

The world of folk music is delightful in so many ways from being about people to creating humble, yet enriching intimate experiences where folk musicians reveal themselves, their kinship and their culture. The secret to […]

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