Skip to main content
Trending
  • 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 […]

  • About Us
  • Contribute
  • Home
  • Author
  • Michaelbarron
  • Page
  • 19

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: 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 […]

ASH Share performances from the BBC Biggest Weekend with The Undertones’ Damien O’Neill & Mickey Bradley
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Ash – Kentish Town Forum, London

October 25, 2018 Michael Barron

Following the release of their latest album, Islands, back in May, Ash embarked upon a UK tour of this album. XS Noize was invited to see the now three-piece from Downpatrick, Northern Ireland plug their […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Shotty Horroh - Salt of the Earth
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Shotty Horroh – Salt of the Earth

October 8, 2018 Michael Barron

In a recent interview with Xs Noize, Shotty Horroh (Adam Rooney) told us: “Music, in my opinion, has gone a bit two dimensional lately – you kind of know what the formula is going to […]

BOOK REVIEW: The Cure: A Perfect Dream  By Ian Gittins 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: The Cure: A Perfect Dream By Ian Gittins

October 2, 2018 Michael Barron

A Perfect Dream tells the story about a band that formed in 1976 in Crawley beginning their lives as “The Obelisk”, then “Malice” then “Easy Cure” and finally “The Cure”. A Perfect Dream coincides with […]

BOOK REVIEW: MONK! Thelonious, Pannonica, and the Friendship Behind a Musical Revolution by Youssef Daoudi 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: MONK! Thelonious, Pannonica, and the Friendship Behind a Musical Revolution by Youssef Daoudi

September 26, 2018 Michael Barron

What makes the late jazz pianist Thelonious Sphere Monk special and unique is that to find out more about him, we need to delve into the lives of other people and learn about them in […]

BOOK REVIEW: Outlaw Pete - Bruce Springsteen and Frank Caruso
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Outlaw Pete – Bruce Springsteen and Frank Caruso

September 17, 2018 Michael Barron

What makes “Outlaw Pete” fascinating is not just the story itself surrounding a “6-month-old, bank-robbing baby”, but the story behind the story.  “Outlaw Pete” began its life not as a book, but as the opening […]

BOOK REVIEW: We’re Going to Be Friends by Jack White
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: We’re Going to Be Friends by Jack White

September 9, 2018 Michael Barron

If there was ever going to be a The White Stripes songs adapted into an animated book, one would have expected it to have been “Seven Nation Army”. The case is resolute. “Seven Nation Army” […]

BOOK REVIEW: The Beatles - Yellow Submarine
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: The Beatles – Yellow Submarine

September 4, 2018 Michael Barron

Xs Noize was invited to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of The Beatles Yellow Submarine film by taking readers (courtesy of Titan Comics) through the new A4 hardcover 112-page graphic novel of the film by Bill […]

REVIEW: London Folk Festival 2018, Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London
Live Reviews

REVIEW: London Folk Festival 2018, Cecil Sharp House, Camden, London

September 3, 2018 Michael Barron

Xs Noize was invited to celebrate the London Folk Festivals fifth year at Cecil Sharp House. This event hosted by Folkonmonday offered a programme of sixteen acts across three categories of events: 1. live concerts, […]

BOOK REVIEW: Nick Thorburn - 'Penguins'
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Nick Thorburn – ‘Penguins’

September 1, 2018 Michael Barron

In June and July XS Noize did something almost unique that few music zines would do and have done; introduce their readers to the amazing and sadly virtually untapped world of music-related graphic novels. The […]

REVIEW: MICHAEL JACKSON: On the Wall exhibition, National Portrait Gallery, London 1
Live Reviews

REVIEW: MICHAEL JACKSON: On the Wall exhibition, National Portrait Gallery, London

August 13, 2018 Michael Barron

This year would have marked Michael Jackson’s sixtieth birthday, so the time feels right to commemorate the King of Pop. To say he was iconic wouldn’t do him justice. With the many creative accomplishments Jackson […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Black Delta Movement - 'Preservation'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Black Delta Movement – ‘Preservation’

July 27, 2018 Michael Barron

Following their successful gig at Strongroom Bar, Shoreditch, London back in June, Black Delta Movement has finally confirmed details about their long-awaited debut album, Preservation. Matt Burr, one of the Kingston-Upon-Hull five-piece primary songwriters and […]

LIVE REVIEW: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Kentish Town Forum, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Kentish Town Forum, London

July 27, 2018 Michael Barron

2018 was always going to be the year where hopes of a triumphant return of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) would materialize after all 2018 is the bands twentieth anniversary and the tenth year since […]

DJ D-SOL is confirmed as Goldman Sachs next board chair and chief executive.
News

DJ D-SOL is confirmed as Goldman Sachs next board chair and chief executive.

July 23, 2018 Michael Barron

Eat, Sleep, Trade, Repeat. DJ D-SOL is confirmed as Goldman Sachs next board chair and chief executive. This is not fake news or a pre-April fool’s joke, electronic dance DJ and music producer, DJ D-SOL […]

BOOK REVIEW: Nick Cave: 'Mercy on Me' by Reinhard Kleist
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Nick Cave: ‘Mercy on Me’ by Reinhard Kleist

July 17, 2018 Michael Barron

In June 2018, courtesy of SelfMadeHero, XS Noize guided readers through the less ordinary life of Johnny Cash as told by Reinhard Kleist in his unique graphic novel: I See a Darkness. XS Noize has […]

LIVE REVIEW: City Beerfest 2018, Guildhall Yard, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: City Beerfest 2018, Guildhall Yard, London

July 9, 2018 Michael Barron

XS Noize was invited to City Beerfest 2018, held in Guildhall Yard, London. Whilst for many, beer is an essential festival ingredient; music is an essential ingredient for all. It was pleasing to XS Noize […]

GORILLAZ Release New Studio Album The Now Now Out June 29th - Listen to Track
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Gorillaz – The Now Now

June 26, 2018 Michael Barron

It’s difficult to believe that twenty years ago, Gorillaz, “the world’s first virtual band” was born. The success of this brainchild of Damon Albarn and comic illustrator Jamie Hewlett lies in connecting “with fans by […]

THE BLACK DELTA MOVEMENT Announce debut album & share video
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Black Delta Movement @ Strongroom Bar, Shoreditch, London

June 25, 2018 Michael Barron

Despite not having yet released a full LP; everyone seems to have an opinion about the Black Delta Movement (or at least an interest in their sound). Probably one of the most interesting comments to […]

BOOK REVIEW: Johnny Cash: I See A Darkness By Reinhard Kleist
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Johnny Cash: I See A Darkness By Reinhard Kleist

June 19, 2018 Michael Barron

It is almost fifteen years ago since Johnny Cash passed away aged 71. His global impact on music cannot be understated. One could even attribute superhero status to him. Why? After all only superheroes get […]

Posts pagination

« 1 … 18 19 20 21 »

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
    April 29, 2026
  • 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
    April 22, 2026
  • Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
    Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
    April 14, 2026
  • The Boxer Rebellion
    The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279
    April 7, 2026
  • The Dandy Warhols
    Courtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278
    April 1, 2026
  • Scouting For Girls
    Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride on ‘These Are The Good Days’ and finding joy in the present | XS Noize Podcast #277
    March 24, 2026

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2026

Trending Articles

  • Editors Editors return with ‘Call It In’ and reveal 2027 UK & EU tour dates April 28, 2026
  • WestlifeWESTLIFE set to ring in 2023 at New Year’s Festival Dublin November 10, 2022
  • Billie Eilish12 interesting facts about Billie Eilish January 11, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters - Your Favourite ToyALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy April 30, 2026
  • Imagine Dragons11 of Imagine Dragons’ biggest selling hits April 10, 2025
  • YungbludFive of Yungblud’s biggest hits August 24, 2025
  • Natalia ImbrugliaNatalie Imbruglia announces new album ‘Algorithm’ and shares new single ‘Upside Down’ April 29, 2026
  • Bad Bunny6 of Bad Bunny’s biggest selling hits August 5, 2025
  • Global superstar ADELE returns with the release of her brand new single and video 'Easy On Me' 17 of Adele’s most successful hits August 11, 2024
  • future islandsFuture Islands share ‘The Ink Well’ and ‘One Day’ April 21, 2026

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Youtube
  • instagram
  • Spotify
  • Terms Of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2024 | XS Noize. Website by Skyhaven Media