Skip to main content
Trending
  • 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 […]

  • About Us
  • Contribute
  • Home
  • Author
  • Michaelbarron
  • Page
  • 20

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
ALBUM REVIEW: The Boxer Rebellion - Ghost Alive
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Boxer Rebellion – Ghost Alive

March 11, 2018 Michael Barron

Whilst The Boxer Rebellion is correctly defined as an “international” indie alternative rock band; there are many things which make the Tennessee-native vocalist Nathan Nicholson distinctly British. Growing up, Nicholson recalled being “into a lot […]

THE BOXER REBELLION Announce New Album 'Ghost Alive' + UK Tour Dates 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Boxer Rebellion, Islington Assembly Hall, London

March 1, 2018 Michael Barron

Black turtlenecks and black t-shirts were the chosen attire for this alternative rock band; though their attire was not what gave The Boxer Rebellion their own justly earned chapter in the modern history of music. […]

INTERVIEW: Jeremy Cunningham (The Levellers)
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Jeremy Cunningham (The Levellers)

February 20, 2018 Michael Barron

Michael Barron talks to Jeremy Cunningham about upcoming album ‘We The Collective’, released on March 9th. The album features a string section and the talents of legendary producer John Leckie (Radiohead, Stone Roses), the album contains new acoustic […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Levellers - Camden Roundhouse, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Levellers – Camden Roundhouse, London

February 6, 2018 Michael Barron

In 2017, The Telegraph included The Levellers 1994 Glastonbury performance in the “top 50 best Glastonbury performances ever”. This performance drew the biggest crowd the Pyramid Stage ever saw with up to “300,000 people” seeing […]

INTERVIEW: OLLY KNIGHTS of TURIN BRAKES - Discusses New Album ‘Invisible Storm’ 1
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Turin Brakes – Invisible Storm

January 26, 2018 Michael Barron

“I just don’t listen to music. Music is not the drive or inspiration behind what we’re doing. It’s mathematical problem-solving. What we’re trying to achieve is the same sort of thing as an accountant, but […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Ezra Furman - Transangelic Exodus
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Ezra Furman – Transangelic Exodus

January 15, 2018 Michael Barron

In 2015, Ezra Furman, gained exposure for his infectious single, Restless Year, taken from his last album, Perpetual Motion People. Ezra is an interesting and exciting individual. He is an out, “gender non-conforming, Shabbat-observing (Jew)” […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Wrong Creatures
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Wrong Creatures

January 10, 2018 Michael Barron

Twenty years ago Black Rebel Motor Cycle Club (BRMC) formed. Taking their name from Marlon Brando’s motorcycle gang in the 1953 film, The Wild One; BRMC returns with their eighth album, Wrong Creatures (produced by […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Death of Guitar Pop - 69 Candy Street
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Death of Guitar Pop – 69 Candy Street

December 4, 2017 Michael Barron

Silky (Oliver Hookings) realised in 2016 that his former band, States of Emotion, which he had founded fifteen years earlier had “run its course”. Where does one go when their challenging adolescence is unable to […]

LIVE REVIEW: A Peaceful Noise @ ULU 25th November 2017
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: A Peaceful Noise @ ULU 25th November 2017

November 27, 2017 Michael Barron

The circumstances which resulted in A Peaceful Noise (now in its second year) are tragic. This concert was held to raise money for the Nick Alexander Trust in memory of Nick Alexander who was killed […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Lahayna - 'Lahayna'
Competitions

COMPETITION: WIN Strictly Limited Edition Signed LAHAYNA Album Artwork

November 22, 2017 Michael Barron

Lahayna made chart history in 2007 with their infectious anthem, In the City. Despite being unsigned and unconnected, through the band’s hard work and talent, In the City entered the official singles chart at No33. […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Frank Turner - 'Songbook'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Frank Turner – ‘Songbook’

November 17, 2017 Michael Barron

Frank Turner began his music career as vocalist in the post-hard-core, late John Peel endorsed band, Million Dead, has been on Celebrity Mastermind (Iron Maiden, not T. S. Eliot was his specialist subject), the Eton […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Lahayna - 'Lahayna'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Lahayna – ‘Lahayna’

November 14, 2017 Michael Barron

In November 2007, unknown and unsigned four-piece east London band, Lahayna, entered the singles charts at number 33 with their compulsive indie tune, In the City. Considering Lahayna received no airplay, their fan base was […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Lonely the Brave - 'Things Will Matter' (Redux)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Lonely the Brave – ‘Things Will Matter’ (Redux)

November 9, 2017 Michael Barron

Since their inception in 2008, Lonely the Brave has been raved about. Black Saucers, taken from their 2014 debut album, The Day’s War, premiered on Zane Lowe’s Radio 1 show as the ‘Hottest Record in […]

PLACEBO share poignant video for new single "Life's What You Make It" + announce UK tour dates
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Placebo – Brixton Academy, London

October 25, 2017 Michael Barron

There has been a lot of international excitement with Placebo’s “A Place for Us to Dream – 20 Years of Placebo” tour. There was dismay when Placebo cancelled and didn’t reschedule the Perth leg of […]

THE DEARS - 
Share Excerpt From ‘Times Infinity’ Short Film - Watch
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Murray Lightburn (The Dears) – Old Church St Pancras, London

October 24, 2017 Michael Barron

After an extensive and well-received UK tour earlier this month with The Dears, one would have thought that Murray Lightburn would want to put his feet up. Instead, he embarked upon a solo London show […]

THE DEARS - 
Share Excerpt From ‘Times Infinity’ Short Film - Watch
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Dears – Oslo, Hackney, London

October 9, 2017 Michael Barron

Frontman Murray Lightburn has been compared vocally to both Damon Albarn and Morrissey. Like Morrissey, Murray is not afraid to express himself. Even in the twenty-first century, “the music press won’t ever allow a black […]

CABBAGE - Announce London Headline Show
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Cabbage – Live at ULU – 05/10/2017

October 6, 2017 Michael Barron

“Indie rock’s lowest common denominator.” This is how Cabbage describes their sound. What inspired this five-piece band from Mossley, 8.9 miles east of Manchester to form in 2015? Answer: Coronation Street. Most notably “Peter Barlow […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Dhani Harrison - IN///PARALLEL
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Dhani Harrison – IN///PARALLEL

October 5, 2017 Michael Barron

There is no escaping that Dhani looks exactly like his late father, George Harrison. Furthermore, Dhani’s vocals are also identical. Footage of Dhani covering his father’s songs is haunting. This may explain why Dhani has […]

www.xsnoize.com
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Feeder – ‘The Best Of’

September 26, 2017 Michael Barron

Originally conceived as Reel in 1992; this brainchild of Grant Nicholas and John Lee would eventually become Feeder. With Taka Hirose, Feeder would release their first single in 1996 and go on to scoop 20 […]

A DUB LAZARUS PROJECT – THE RESURRECTION OF WAYNE PAUL
Features

A DUB LAZARUS PROJECT – THE RESURRECTION OF WAYNE PAUL

September 17, 2017 Michael Barron

The year is 1994 and everyone knows the name of East End crooner with Jamaican roots: Wayne Paul. Signed to London hip-hop label, Sound of Money Records, managed by Jeremy Tuson (known as Tuse); his […]

Posts pagination

« 1 … 19 20

LATEST REVIEWS

  • ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
    ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra
    October 3, 2025
  • Idlewild
    ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’
    October 3, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Coach Party – Caramel
    ALBUM REVIEW: Coach Party – Caramel
    October 1, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant with Suzi Dian – Saving Grace
    ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant with Suzi Dian – Saving Grace
    September 26, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Dave Hause – …and the Mermaid
    ALBUM REVIEW: Dave Hause – …And The Mermaid
    September 26, 2025
  • Amanda Shires - Nobody’s Girl
    ALBUM REVIEW: Amanda Shires – Nobody’s Girl
    September 26, 2025

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2025

Vuelio Top 10 Blog 2025 - XS Noize

Trending

  • Idlewild
    ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’
  • Belsonic 2026
    Belsonic 2026: Your Ultimate Guide to Belfast’s Biggest Outdoor Festival
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant with Suzi Dian – Saving Grace
    ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant with Suzi Dian – Saving Grace
  • KRAFTWERK
    Electro Icons Kraftwerk Return: First UK Tour in Nearly a Decade – Belfast Waterfront Hall, May 18 2026
  • LIVE REVIEW: Sigur Rós & The London Contemporary Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall
    LIVE REVIEW: Sigur Rós & The London Contemporary Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall
  • Richard Ashcroft
    Richard Ashcroft Unveils New Single “Lovin’ You” – Title Track from Forthcoming Album
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
    ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra
  • Bad Bunny
    6 of Bad Bunny’s biggest selling hits
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Youtube
  • instagram
  • Spotify
  • Terms Of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2024 | XS Noize. Website by Skyhaven Media