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  • Belfast’s Silent Running Return with Fifth Album ‘Northstar’
  • Ronboy Returns with Haunting New Single “Disaster” Featuring The National’s Matt Berninger
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • The Milk
          News

          The Milk Return with ‘Borderlands’ — Their Most Ambitious Album to Date

          August 15, 2025

          On 19 September, WLS Records will release The Milk’s sophisticated new album Borderlands, which features outstanding songwriting, deftly served by extraordinary musicianship, mixed with ambitious arrangements and world-class production. A lovingly crafted sonic memoir, it […]

          Silent Running
          News

          Belfast’s Silent Running Return with Fifth Album ‘Northstar’

          August 15, 2025

          Belfast’s Silent Running folded for a full 30 years after releasing their third album in 1989. One of Ireland’s biggest musical exports in the 1980s was burned out. They had headlined numerous nights at London’s […]

          Ronboy
          News

          Ronboy Returns with Haunting New Single “Disaster” Featuring The National’s Matt Berninger

          August 15, 2025

          Ronboy, the exciting artist project of musician Julia Laws, returns with a haunting new single “Disaster” featuring The National’s frontman Matt Berninger. The track first made its debut on Matt Berninger’s North American US Tour, […]

  • 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

          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 […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Wet Leg Turn Nottingham Into a Sing-Along Frenzy Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Wet Leg Turn Nottingham Into a Sing-Along Frenzy

          August 15, 2025

          Nottingham’s The Level was bursting at the seams on August 11th as Grammy-winning indie-rock darlings Wet Leg brought their Moisturizer tour to town — and they didn’t just play a gig, they turned it into […]

        • 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
        • jason
          Gigs

          Jason Derulo’s 2026 tour: Dates, venues, tickets, and more

          August 10, 2025

          Jason Derulo will be touring the UK in 2026, performing at some of the UK’s grandest venues in major cities. His return promises to be unforgettable, with electrifying dance moves, chart-topping bangers, and a voice […]

          OneRepublic
          Gigs

          The ultimate guide to OneRepublic’s tour

          August 8, 2025

          Pop-rock sensation OneRepublic will bring their “Sweet Escape Tour” to Australia and New Zealand next year. With support from special guest Zara Larsson, Ryan Tedder and the crew will bring their hit songs “Counting Stars” […]

          Metallica
          Gigs

          Everything you need to know about Metallica’s 2026 tour

          August 2, 2025

          From anthems to soulful ballads, Metallica is gearing up to take you on a unique journey through their 40-year catalogue. With no-repeat setlists, colossal stages, and an array of hard-hitting support acts, “M72 World Tour” […]

  • 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: Palace - Village Underground, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Palace – Village Underground, London

February 27, 2019 Michael Barron

Normally when a van gets stolen there is seldom interest, however when Palaces’ tour van got stolen around a week before the Village Underground gig; there was a media storm. Upsetting as this was; it […]

LIVE REVIEW: Fairport Convention - Union Chapel, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Fairport Convention – Union Chapel, London

February 24, 2019 Michael Barron

Fairport Convention have had much disruption and turbulence since they began in 1967. Despite only having released one single (which didn’t even make the top 20) and only one top 10 album; Fairport Convention have […]

BOOK REVIEW: Kiss: Greatest Hits, Volume 5
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Kiss: Greatest Hits, Volume 5

February 21, 2019 Michael Barron

Kiss has released five volumes of their greatest hits, not of music, but graphic novels. Kiss has appeared in comics and graphic novels for over forty years. Their first comic book appearance was in issue […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Murray A. Lightburn - Hear Me Out
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Murray A. Lightburn – Hear Me Out

February 17, 2019 Michael Barron

Following the release of two albums in 2017: Times Infinity, Volume One and Times Infinity Volume Two; Murray A. Lightburn gave his first UK solo show at Old Church St Pancras, London. Whilst Lightburn performed […]

BOOK REVIEW: Sci-Fu by Yehudi Mercado
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Sci-Fu by Yehudi Mercado

February 16, 2019 Michael Barron

What makes a Superstar DJ? Whatever you think makes a Superstar DJ, the star of Sci-Fu, DJ Wax definitely sets the standard to new high. When your hometown of Brooklyn is at stake if you […]

WHITE LIES announce new album, 'Five', due 1st February 2019 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: White Lies – Kentish Town Forum, London

February 15, 2019 Michael Barron

To coincide with the release of their new album, Five on February 1st, 2019 via [PIAS] Recordings and a decade of their existence; White Lies have embarked on an international tour. XS Noize caught up […]

LIVE REVIEW: Enter Shikari at The Dome, London 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Enter Shikari at The Dome, London

February 14, 2019 Michael Barron

Since 2009, at around the same time as The Brit Awards, large and acclaimed artists including, Ed Sheeran, alt-J and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man have played in small, intimate venues raising vital funds and awareness […]

UNLOVED Announce details of their second album, ‘Heartbreak’ and December show at the Hoxton Hall, London.
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Unloved – ‘Heartbreak’

February 12, 2019 Michael Barron

LA/Belfast based trio, Unloved (vocalist and songwriter Jade Vincent, her partner, producer/composer Keefus Ciancia, and DJ, producer and composer David Holmes) return with Heartbreak, the follow-up to their 2016 debut, Guilty of Love. Heartbreak is […]

BOOK REVIEW: All Summer Long by Hope Larson 2
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: All Summer Long by Hope Larson

January 29, 2019 Michael Barron

In All Summer Long, music and summer are the main themes, but neither Woodstock or Bryan Adams or “69” find a home here. The latter may well be omitted because this graphic novel is aimed […]

LIVE REVIEW: Gryff Rhys In the Round, Camden Roundhouse, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Gryff Rhys In the Round, Camden Roundhouse, London

January 26, 2019 Michael Barron

Last year XS Noizereviewed the best of In the Round which saw The Levellers triumph, performing an elated acoustic rendition of their hits spanning across a career which is now over thirty years old. In […]

BOOK REVIEW: Love in Vain: Robert Johnson, 1911 – 1938  By Mezzo and J.M. Dupont 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Love in Vain: Robert Johnson, 1911 – 1938 By Mezzo and J.M. Dupont

January 24, 2019 Michael Barron

Described as “the most famous bluesman of all time”, Robert Johnson was not only the first and founding member of the “27 club” (where other famous musicians including but not limited to Kurt Cobain, Amy […]

ALBUM REVIEW: McDermott's 2 Hours vs Levellers - Besieged
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: McDermott’s 2 Hours vs Levellers – Besieged

January 21, 2019 Michael Barron

In 1986, McDermott’s 2 Hours was founded by Nick Burbridge. Two years later, The Levellers, who cite McDermott’s 2 Hours as a “major formative influence”, formed. The Levellers would cover McDermott’s 2 Hours “Dirty Davey” […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Beirut - Gallipoli
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Beirut – Gallipoli

January 17, 2019 Michael Barron

There is definitely something special about Beirut and the way frontman Zach Condon holds his band together. At just twenty years old “bloggers and industry types” had hyped his first New York show at the […]

FEATURE: The card games every music fan wants to play 1
Features

FEATURE: The card games every music fan wants to play

January 14, 2019 Michael Barron

Most of us love card games and Trump cards games. Those of us fortunate enough will have happy memories or stories from old relatives reminiscing over the halcyon days playing Happy Families and Go Fish. […]

BOOK REVIEW: SKIP TO THE END by Jeremy Holt, Alex Diotto, Renzo Podesta, Adam Wollet and Tim Daniel 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: SKIP TO THE END by Jeremy Holt, Alex Diotto, Renzo Podesta, Adam Wollet and Tim Daniel

January 11, 2019 Michael Barron

From the typeface on the front cover, the visual depictions of the members of the fictional three piece grunge band, Samsara (not to be confused with real metalcore quartet from Yuma, Arizona), the year Samsara […]

BOOK REVIEW: Tyler Cross: Black Rock By Fabien Nury and Laurence Croix
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Tyler Cross: Black Rock By Fabien Nury and Laurence Croix

December 28, 2018 Michael Barron

Several months ago XS Noize alongside Titan Comics invited readers to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of The Beatles Yellow Submarine film by giving a guided tour of the graphic novel by Bill Morrison (The Simpsons). […]

BOOK REVIEW: Reckless Life: Guns N' Roses - A Graphic Novel
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Reckless Life: Guns N’ Roses – A Graphic Novel

December 10, 2018 Michael Barron

It is hard to believe that the Guns N’ Roses (at least Axl) comeback album which took almost fifteen years to complete, Chinese Democracy, is actually ten years old! Through Omnibus Press, XS Noize are […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Boy Least Likely To, Rough Trade East, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Boy Least Likely To, Rough Trade East, London

December 9, 2018 Michael Barron

Although there is undeniably a significant instant popelement (with a slice of cheese) in The Boy Least Likely To’s sound; there is also something, unique, quirky and innovative to their musical formula qualifying them as […]

BOOK REVIEW: Godspeed: The Kurt Cobain Graphic Novel
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Godspeed: The Kurt Cobain Graphic Novel

December 2, 2018 Michael Barron

To coincide with the twenty-fifth anniversary since the release of Nirvana’s final studio album In Utero, XS Noize is paying homage to Nirvana’s frontman Kurt Cobain by reviewing the far too short (just twenty-seven years) […]

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Baxter at the Union Chapel, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Baxter at the Union Chapel, London

November 7, 2018 Michael Barron

Despite not having a top 40 single or a top 10 album to his name or a name that comes to mind concerning a household name; Tom Baxter’s most well-known track “Better” featured on the […]

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