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  • Placebo Share Reworked ‘Lady of the Flowers’ From Forthcoming Album Placebo Re:Created
  • Peter Gabriel Shares New Track ‘Won’t Stand Down’ From Forthcoming Album o\i
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy
  • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
  • Natalie Imbruglia announces new album ‘Algorithm’ and shares new single ‘Upside Down’
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Placebo
          News

          Placebo Share Reworked ‘Lady of the Flowers’ From Forthcoming Album Placebo Re:Created

          May 1, 2026

          Today, Placebo release the newly reworked version of Lady of the Flowers, the second track to be shared from their forthcoming new album Placebo Re:Created, set for release 19th June 2026 via Elevator Lady Ltd through AWAL. Listen to Lady of the Flowers […]

          Peter Gabriel
          News

          Peter Gabriel Shares New Track ‘Won’t Stand Down’ From Forthcoming Album o\i

          May 1, 2026

          The flower moon of 1 May, 2026 is the first of two full moons in the month, and with it comes the release of the fifth song from Peter Gabriel’s forthcoming album o\i. Won’t Stand […]

          Natalia Imbruglia
          News

          Natalie Imbruglia announces new album ‘Algorithm’ and shares new single ‘Upside Down’

          April 29, 2026

          Natalia Imbruglia is known to millions as the star behind the global hit ‘Torn’ which remains one of the defining songs of the nineties. It started a phenomenal run of success which has included two BRIT Awards, three Grammy nominations, a Silver […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters - Your Favourite Toy
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy

          April 30, 2026

          If But Here We Are was the funeral, Your Favorite Toy is the violent, jagged intake of breath that follows – a resurrection that is dangerously alive. On their twelfth studio outing, Dave Grohl and gang […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck - Optimizer
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck – Optimizer

          April 21, 2026

          The dormant gears of Chicago’s post-punk stalwarts have finally ground back into motion. Following a three-year break, Stuck return with Optimizer, a record that suggests the only way to navigate a collapsing world is to […]

        • 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

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer) Credit: Marc Leach
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

          April 5, 2026

          As Storm Dave closed in on Northern Ireland, another storm was already gathering. Inside Limelight 2, Belfast, local metal titans Survivalist unleashed thunder of their own — a fitting backdrop for the release of their […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring 'The Mountain' to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut Credit: Luke Dyson
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring ‘The Mountain’ to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut

          April 1, 2026

          Gorillaz finally made it to Belfast — and instead of rolling out a greatest hits set, they came in with something very different. Support came from Argentine rapper, singer and songwriter Trueno, and I’ve never […]

        • 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: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer) Credit: Marc Leach
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

          April 5, 2026

          As Storm Dave closed in on Northern Ireland, another storm was already gathering. Inside Limelight 2, Belfast, local metal titans Survivalist unleashed thunder of their own — a fitting backdrop for the release of their […]

          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 […]

  • Gigs
        • December 10
          Gigs

          December 10 announce Ulster Hall, Belfast show for July 20th 2026

          April 2, 2026

          Britain’s brand-new boyband December 10 today announce December 10: The Next Step– kicking off in Edinburgh on Friday 10 July and wrapping in Dublin on Tuesday 21 July. “We loved our Introducing! run of shows […]

          White Denim
          Gigs

          White Denim set for Belfast return with Limelight 2 headline show on August 27th 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Formed in 2006, for approaching 20 years White Denim has been celebrated for their fearless blend of garage rock, soul, jazz fusion, psychedelia, and experimental improvisation. Based for much of that time in Austin, though […]

          Tom Jones
          Gigs

          Tom Jones to Play Dublin & Belfast Headline Shows This August 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Legendary Welsh singer and performer Tom Jones has announced a return to Ireland with a headline show within the idyllic grounds of Palmerstown House Estate, just 20 minutes from Dublin City Centre on Sunday 09th […]

  • Interviews
        • Col Gerrard
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Col Gerrard on his self-titled debut, touring with Boyzlife and what comes next

          April 20, 2026

          London-born singer-songwriter Col Gerrard has loved music from an early age, and that passion shines throughout his self-titled debut album. Drawing on a range of influences, the record takes listeners on an emotional journey, with […]

          Ganser
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Alicia Gaines on the Architecture of Ganser and Discomfort by Design

          April 12, 2026

          Chicago’s underground has always thrived in the margins, and few bands embody that restless, art-driven spirit quite like Ganser. Formed in the city’s DIY circuit, the group have carved out a reputation for wiry, confrontational […]

          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. […]

  • Podcast
        • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
          Podcast

          Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282

          April 29, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Glen Hansard for a warm, honest and deeply reflective conversation about his new live/studio album, Don+t Settle – (Vol 1 Transmissions […]

          Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
          Podcast

          Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281

          April 22, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Miles Hunt for a candid, funny and reflective conversation marking 40 years of The Wonder Stuff. You can watch the full […]

          Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
          Podcast

          Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280

          April 14, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Carol Decker for a candid, funny and revealing conversation about T’Pau’s return with the new album Be Wonderful. You can watch […]

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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: The Song of the Machine By David Blot and Mathias Cousin
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: The Song of the Machine By David Blot and Mathias Cousin

November 5, 2019 Michael Barron

The history and development of The Song of the Machine is almost as fascinating as the book itself. Mathias Cousin thought of the idea of producing a graphic novel back in 1995 before there were […]

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 […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

  • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
    Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
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  • Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
    Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
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  • Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
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