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  • DOVES Unearth Lost Track ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ Ahead of Upcoming ‘Best Of’ Collection
  • JAMES Announce “Nothing But Love” – The Definitive Best Of and 2026 UK Arena Tour Dates
  • Richard Ashcroft announces 3Arena Dublin show for May 2026
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra
  • Electro Icons Kraftwerk Return: First UK Tour in Nearly a Decade – Belfast Waterfront Hall, May 18 2026
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Doves
          News

          DOVES Unearth Lost Track ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ Ahead of Upcoming ‘Best Of’ Collection

          October 6, 2025

          DOVES surprise fans and themselves by releasing a presumed lost track from their studio archive, bringing the soaring Spirit Of Your Friend out of the shadows of fan forum rumours and into the light. Added […]

          JAMES
          News

          JAMES Announce “Nothing But Love” – The Definitive Best Of and 2026 UK Arena Tour Dates

          October 6, 2025

          JAMES have announced Nothing But Love – The Definitive Best Of, due for release on 21 November. The release is a comprehensive and career-spanning collection, documenting the band’s journey from their early singles through to […]

          Richard Ashcroft
          News

          Richard Ashcroft announces 3Arena Dublin show for May 2026

          October 6, 2025

          2025 has already been a phenomenal year for Richard Ashcroft. He has earned rapturous, stadium-wide receptions throughout his run of huge shows as special guest to Oasis, while his recent singles have generated great anticipation […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra

          October 3, 2025

          Perennial 90’s power-pop heroes Ash return this autumn with their ninth studio album, Ad Astra. Now well into their fourth decade together, Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray continue to show that their knack […]

          Idlewild
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’

          October 3, 2025

          The band’s tenth album is their first self-titled release, and it just so happens to be a collection of songs that reflects their majestic, melodic beauty. For a band to reach a tenth record is […]

        • 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: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles Credit: Triffin Constantine
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles

          September 22, 2025

          Sludge, prog, and post-metal band Baroness played an emotional set at Lodge Room in the Highland Park neighbourhood of Los Angeles on Saturday, September 20th. The night was one of remembrance, playing their first two […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate "Inertia" with High-Energy London Launch Show Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate “Inertia” with High-Energy London Launch Show

          September 10, 2025

          To mark the release of their new album Inertia, Pendulum’s Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen brought an electrifying DJ set to HERE at Outernet in London on September 5th. The Australian outfit has long been […]

        • 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
        • 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
        • 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
        • Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of "Ad Astra" | XS Noize Podcast #248
          Podcasts

          Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of “Ad Astra” | XS Noize Podcast #248

          October 1, 2025

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Rick McMurray looks back on 30 years of Ash and the rocket-fuel energy behind their new album Ad Astra. From teenage beginnings in Downpatrick to global stages, […]

          The Jacques
          Podcasts

          Finn O’Brien on The Jacques’ New Album “Make Repetition!” | XS Noize Podcast #247

          September 28, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube “Will would be proud of us, and he’d never have wanted his loss to stop us doing what we love.” — Finn O’Brien, […]

          Gary Numan
          Podcasts

          Gary Numan on “Telekon” at 45, Wembley Ghosts & His Glastonbury Debut | XS Noize Podcast #246

          September 24, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube In Episode #246 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Gary Numan — one of electronic music’s true pioneers — for a powerful conversation marking the 45th […]

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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.
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LIVE REVIEW: Corinne Bailey Rae – Black Rainbows at the Roundhouse
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Corinne Bailey Rae – Black Rainbows at the Roundhouse

April 28, 2025 Michael Barron

Full album performances are usually reserved for artists celebrating the anniversaries of classic records. Corinne Bailey Rae, however, chose a bolder, rarer path: performing her 2024 fourth LP, Black Rainbows, in its entirety — and […]

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Odell – Three Sixty Festival, The Roundhouse, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Odell – Three Sixty Festival, The Roundhouse, London

April 23, 2025 Michael Barron

The Roundhouse in Camden has long been celebrated for its outstanding programming and its flair for curating innovative, intimate festivals. XS Noize has previously covered its acclaimed In the Round series—an all-seated event that has […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Zutons - Shepherds Bush Empire
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Zutons – Shepherds Bush Empire

April 16, 2025 Michael Barron

It’s hard to believe that The Zutons’ history as a headline act began at this very venue back in October 2004. Over two decades later, they returned to a packed Shepherd’s Bush Empire — now as […]

LIVE REVIEW: SYML Delivers a Soul-Stirring Set at Omeara Credit: Denise Esposito
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: SYML Delivers a Soul-Stirring Set at Omeara

April 8, 2025 Michael Barron

There’s a certain electricity that fills a venue when a full band takes the stage, often overshadowing solo support acts who must wrestle with the acoustics of a large room using only a guitar or […]

LIVE REVIEW: Kula Shaker & Ocean Colour Scene – Brixton Academy Credit: Denise Esposito
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Ocean Colour Scene & Kula Shaker – Brixton Academy

April 6, 2025 Michael Barron

There’s a difference between being billed as a support act and a special guest. Kula Shaker, with their established reputation and singular style, made it clear they were the latter. From the moment the stage […]

The Who Rock the Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust’s 25th Anniversary Credit: John Stead
Live Reviews

The Who Rock the Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust’s 25th Anniversary

March 28, 2025 Michael Barron

On the opening night celebrating 25 years of concerts in support of Teenage Cancer Trust, the Royal Albert Hall witnessed the powerful impact of this unique charity. Through its specialist care in tailored environments, young […]

Anarchy in the Albert Hall: The Sex Pistols Deliver a Historic Night for Teenage Cancer Trust
Live Reviews

Anarchy in the Albert Hall: The Sex Pistols Deliver a Historic Night for Teenage Cancer Trust

March 25, 2025 Michael Barron

This year marks 25 years of spectacular shows in support of Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity at the forefront of providing specialist care in environments tailored for young cancer patients. Each teenager’s battle with cancer […]

TYUNGBLUD at Scala: A Theatrical Showcase of New Beginnings Credit: Tom Pallant
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Yungblud at Scala: A Theatrical Showcase of New Beginnings

March 24, 2025 Michael Barron

Dom Harrison, better known as Yungblud, moved to London at just 16 and, much like Amy Winehouse, fell in love with Camden’s raw, electric energy. His genius lies not just in his genre-blurring approach—fusing rock, […]

The WAEVE – KOKO, London: A Spellbinding, Unpredictable Performance Brimming with Suspense and Emotion Credit: Denise Esposito
Live Reviews

The WAEVE – KOKO, London: A Spellbinding, Unpredictable Performance Brimming with Suspense and Emotion

March 21, 2025 Michael Barron

XS Noize has had the privilege of covering benefit gigs that showcase artists in a mesmerising new light, raise awareness for important causes, and provide vital fundraising. One often overlooked aspect of benefit gigs is […]

LIVE REVIEW: Doves at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Doves at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

March 14, 2025 Michael Barron

According to the band, Doves hadn’t played this London venue since November 2000. Reflecting on that night, they recalled nearly getting kicked out—though they left the details to the imagination—before apologising to the bouncers on […]

LIVE REVIEW: Frank Turner at 93 Feet East for BRITs Week 25 in aid of War Child
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Frank Turner at 93 Feet East for BRITs Week 25 in aid of War Child

February 24, 2025 Michael Barron

Have you ever wondered how artists pick their support acts? Frank Turner’s choice of Ben Brown comes with a hilarious backstory. Picture the scene: Turner is at a barbecue, drinks are flowing, and the vibe […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Doves – Constellations for the Lonely
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Doves – Constellations for the Lonely

February 20, 2025 Michael Barron

Doves have been crafting anthems for the disenchanted for over 25 years, but their story stretches back even further—to the neon-soaked, sweat-drenched floors of Manchester’s legendary Haçienda. Before they became indie royalty, they were Sub […]

Cat Burns
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Cat Burns at Moth Club for BRITs Week 25 in aid of War Child

February 18, 2025 Michael Barron

The February chill did little to deter eager fans from queuing outside Hackney’s Moth Club to witness Cat Burns kick off BRITs Week 25 in aid of War Child. Their patience in the freezing cold […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Kooks’ Intimate Indie Club Night at Notting Hill Arts Centre Credit Dave Hogan
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Kooks’ Intimate Indie Club Night at Notting Hill Arts Centre

January 31, 2025 Michael Barron

The first quarter of 2025 is set to be a landmark period for The Kooks. With their seventh album, Never/Know, arriving on May 9th and a packed tour schedule spanning 20 Australian dates followed by […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Larkin Poe - Bloom
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Larkin Poe – Bloom

January 28, 2025 Michael Barron

2025 marks fifteen years since sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell formed Larkin Poe following the dissolution of the Lovell Sisters, their previous band with elder sister Jessica. Over the years, the duo’s electrifying blend of […]

LIVE REVIEW: Bastille Present “&” live at Shepherds Bush
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Bastille Present “&” live at Shepherds Bush

November 19, 2024 Michael Barron

The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, with its intimate 2,000-seat capacity, became a battleground for over 50,000 fans clamouring for tickets to see Bastille—a band more commonly associated with arena-sized venues like the O2 Arena. Given […]

Bob Dylan
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Bob Dylan live at the Royal Albert Hall: A Night of Reinvention

November 13, 2024 Michael Barron

Bob Dylan’s storied relationship with the Royal Albert Hall dates back to 1965. A year later, he returned to play what has since been immortalized as his “most famous concert ever,” a show now etched […]

LIVE REVIEW: Dhani Harrison at EartH, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Dhani Harrison at EartH, London

October 24, 2024 Michael Barron

Anticipation was high when Dhani Harrison released his debut album IN///PARALLEL in 2017. Prior to that, he had already established himself as a thoughtful and accomplished musician through his work with bands like The New […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Bastille “&” (Ampersand)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bastille – “&”

October 23, 2024 Michael Barron

Bastille’s fifth LP, &, is an ambitious concept album that revolves around the theme of a “collection of story songs” inspired by extraordinary historical and fictional figures. The lineup includes renowned personalities such as the […]

Crowded House
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Crowded House at O2 Arena, London

October 12, 2024 Michael Barron

Crowded House has been remarkably prolific in recent years, with a quarter of their albums released in the 2020s—a striking feat for a band that first formed in 1985. This makes sense, given the band’s […]

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