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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’
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  • 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
LIVE REVIEW: Barry Can’t Swim – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Barry Can’t Swim – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End

August 25, 2025 Michael Barron

All Points East has always prided itself on curating a forward-thinking electronic bill, and this year was no exception. Chase & Status set Victoria Park alight with their trademark mix of drum ’n’ bass and […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Nova Twins - Parasites & Butterflies
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Nova Twins – Parasites & Butterflies

August 20, 2025 Michael Barron

Following the breakout success of their aptly named sophomore album Supernova (2022), Nova Twins — Amy Love and Georgia South — found themselves facing a new kind of pressure. “We had to figure out a […]

Chase & Status
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Chase & Status – All Points East, Victoria Park

August 18, 2025 Michael Barron

Dance and electronic music have steadily carved out their place at Victoria Park, and All Points East 2025 proved no exception. Following on from LCD Soundsystem’s 2024 showcase, which paired them with acts like Joy […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Richard Hawley - Coles Corner (20th Anniversary)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Richard Hawley – Coles Corner (20th Anniversary)

August 6, 2025 Michael Barron

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 […]

LIVE REVIEW: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts BST Hyde Park, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts BST Hyde Park, London

July 14, 2025 Michael Barron

The first four headliners of this year’s BST Hyde Park festival were all under thirty, celebrating the energy and optimism of youth. But with Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts joined by Cat Stevens (Yusuf […]

LIVE REVIEW: Stevie Wonder BST Hyde Park, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Stevie Wonder BST Hyde Park, London

July 14, 2025 Michael Barron

Having been awarded every major honour from the Polar Music Prize to the Wolf Prize, Stevie Wonder needs no introduction. Less known, however, is his warm relationship with main support act Ezra Collective. Back in […]

Sabrina Carpenter
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Sabrina Carpenter lights up Hyde Park with a playful, fearless pop spectacle

July 7, 2025 Michael Barron

Sabrina Carpenter’s recent controversies — including the provocative cover art for her upcoming 2025 album Man’s Best Friend — have sparked countless opinion pieces accusing her of being too sexual, attention-seeking, or even superficial. But […]

NoahKahan
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: From 77 to 65,000: Noah Kahan’s Emotional Triumph at Hyde Park

July 7, 2025 Michael Barron

When Noah Kahan first came to the UK in 2017, he played to just 77 people. Fast forward eight years, and he’s standing in front of 65,000 fans at London’s Hyde Park — a mind-blowing […]

LIVE REVIEW: Zach Bryan Ignites Hyde Park: A Night of Heartfelt Anthems and Raw Connection
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Zach Bryan Ignites Hyde Park: A Night of Heartfelt Anthems and Raw Connection

June 30, 2025 Michael Barron

Zach Bryan went the extra mile to connect with his British fans at BST Hyde Park, setting the tone from the very start by choosing Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” as his walk-on music. Rather […]

LIVE REVIEW: Live Review: Little Simz Closes Meltdown Festival with a Dazzling, Defiant Orchestral Triumph Credit: Pete Woodhead
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Little Simz Closes Meltdown Festival with a Dazzling, Defiant Orchestral Triumph

June 23, 2025 Michael Barron

Following in the footsteps of legendary Meltdown curators like Nile Rodgers and Chaka Khan, Little Simz—aka Simbi Ajikawo—faced a daunting legacy. But with a lineup that balanced heavyweight names like The Streets and rising stars […]

ALBUM REVIEW: BC Camplight - A Sober Conversation
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: BC Camplight – A Sober Conversation

June 19, 2025 Michael Barron

BC Camplight, the musical moniker of virtuoso songwriter and pianist Brian Christinzio, returns with A Sober Conversation—his first release since breaking into the Top 40 with The Last Rotation of Earth. This album is a […]

LIVE REVIEW: Lola Young Shines at Meltdown – A Voice of Her Generation Credit: Pete Woodhead
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Lola Young Shines at Meltdown – A Voice of Her Generation

June 18, 2025 Michael Barron

The 30th edition of Meltdown Festival opened with a bang, headlined by established legends The Streets. But while their set held nostalgic weight, the night truly belonged to a newer, electrifying voice: Lola Young — […]

LIVE REVIEW: Charli XCX’s Lido at Victoria Park – A Brat Manifesto in Motion
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Charli XCX’s Lido at Victoria Park – A Brat Manifesto in Motion

June 17, 2025 Michael Barron

Meltdown set the blueprint for artist-curated festivals 30 years ago. In 2024, Charli XCX took that torch and ran with it—outdoors, no less—bringing her Lido edition to Mile End’s Victoria Park, also home to All […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Streets Kick Off Meltdown 2025 with an Electrifying, Crowd-Commanding Set
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Streets Kick Off Meltdown 2025 with an Electrifying, Crowd-Commanding Set

June 13, 2025 Michael Barron

Now in its 30th edition, Meltdown has long stood as a bastion of artist-led curation — a space where visionary musicians shape their own festivals. With past curators including Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers, this […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Sports Team - Boys These Days
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Sports Team – Boys These Days

May 22, 2025 Michael Barron

Sports Team may have grabbed headlines after being robbed at gunpoint during their 2024 U.S. tour, but the incident is just one chaotic chapter in the story of a band that thrives on disruption. The […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Turin Breaks - Spacehopper
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Turin Brakes – Spacehopper

May 20, 2025 Michael Barron

It’s hard to pinpoint the exact moment Turin Brakes realised their next record would be their tenth. But when they did, it surely hit with significance. In a 2000 interview, frontman Olly Knights predicted the […]

big country
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Big Country – 100 Club, London

May 7, 2025 Michael Barron

What came first: the band Big Country or their song “In a Big Country”? It was the song. Audiences quickly embraced its rousing energy, just as they did the band’s rugged aesthetic — think Bruce […]

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 […]

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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
    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
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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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