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  • INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’
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  • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
  • Nerina Pallot Announces Biggest Ever Headline Show at Royal Albert Hall to Celebrate 25 Years of Music
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Alison Moyet
          News

          Alison Moyet to Play Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on November 3rd 2026

          March 9, 2026

          After 2024’s ‘Key’ album prompted a rediscovery of her solo catalogue and her first Top 10 chart position in eleven years, Alison Moyet now announces details of a unique UK and European headline tour which […]

          Nerina Pallot
          News

          Nerina Pallot Announces Biggest Ever Headline Show at Royal Albert Hall to Celebrate 25 Years of Music

          March 6, 2026

          The BRIT and Ivor Novello nominee Nerina Pallot is in the midst of an organic resurgence. Building a powerful personal connection directly with fans led to her selling out the London Palladium in 2024 – […]

          The Who
          News

          The Who announce ‘Live at Eden Project’ – a powerful new live album capturing their 2023 orchestral performance

          March 6, 2026

          Few bands have shaped the landscape of rock music with the force and longevity of The Who. For nearly six decades, their sound, spirit, and unmistakable energy have echoed across generations, influencing artists and audiences […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles - Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally

          March 6, 2026

          The moment has arrived at last for Harry Styles fans. Cool haircuts, ballet pumps, marathons, Italian cookery and an impeccably trousered appearance at the Brit Awards can all be set aside as HS4 has finally […]

          The Enemy - Social Disguises
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Enemy – Social Disguises

          March 4, 2026

          The long-dormant gears of Coventry’s favourite sons have finally ground back into motion. After the sleek, perhaps overly-polished synth-pop detour of 2015’s It’s Automatic, a record that left the band questioning their relevance and drifting […]

        • 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: Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins Unite for War Child at London’s Emerald Theatre Credit Wiktoria Wolny
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Jack Savoretti and Katherine Jenkins Unite for War Child at London’s Emerald Theatre

          February 26, 2026

          In the heart of London’s Embankment, the recently opened Emerald Theatre feels part The Great Gatsby, part Emerald City — lavish, theatrical and unapologetically opulent. The room glows in rich green tones and, with its […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London photos by Martin
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London

          February 21, 2026

          Of Monsters and Men first broke through in 2010 after winning Músíktilraunir, Iceland’s annual Battle of the Bands. That early victory propelled the then-emerging collective onto the international stage, leading to a European Border Breakers […]

        • 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// 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 […]

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland Credit: Becca McCaffrey
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland

          January 11, 2026

          Biffy Clyro put on a brilliant show at the 3Arena on Saturday, 10 January, delivering a set that was as heavy and intense as it was open and emotional. The sold-out Dublin crowd were treated […]

  • 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
        • 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. […]

          Jordan Anthony
          Interviews

          Jordan Anthony on “Lost In LA”, Finding His Voice in LA & Dream Tour Plans

          February 10, 2026

          He may only be 20, but Perth-born, LA-based artist Jordan Anthony already has more experience within the music industry than many might expect. He was writing songs and playing instruments before he hit double digits, […]

          TAVE
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: TAVE Talks ‘Fly Away,’ Self-Discovery, and the Art of Letting Go

          November 11, 2025

          Rising artist TAVE has had an extraordinary journey — from earning a scholarship at just 13 and performing with some of music’s biggest names to now stepping into the spotlight with his deeply personal debut […]

  • Podcast
        • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
          Podcast

          Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274

          March 8, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with legendary U2 producer Steve Lillywhite to discuss his remarkable career working with the band and the creative process behind iconic albums including […]

          The Dream Machine
          Podcast

          “We’re Always Making Music for Ourselves” — The Dream Machine on ‘Fort Perch Rock’ | XS Noize Podcast #273

          March 4, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Zak and Matty from The Dream Machine to talk about Fort Perch Rock — the band’s third studio album and a record […]

          credit Yagub Allahverdiyev
          Podcast

          Archive’s Dave Pen on ‘Glass Minds’ and evolving after 30 years | XS Noize Podcast #272

          February 24, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Dave Pen of Archive to talk about Glass Minds — the band’s 13th studio album and a bold new chapter in a […]

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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
ALBUM REVIEW: Mansun - Attack Of The Grey Lantern (21st Anniversary Remastered Edition)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Mansun – Attack Of The Grey Lantern (21st Anniversary Remastered Edition)

May 17, 2018 Michael Barron

George Orwell once told the story about A Clergyman’s Daughter, Mansun tells the story about a Clergyman’s son: Paul Draper (the bands’ leader and frontman) and his bandmates Dominic Chad (guitar), Stove King (bass) and […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Owl John - 'Owl John' 1
Features

Obituary: Scott Hutchison – musician and founder of Frightened Rabbit

May 14, 2018 Michael Barron

On Wednesday 9th May 2018, it was revealed to the press that Scott Hutchison, lead singer for and founder of Frightened Rabbit had been reported missing. On 10th May 2018, it was confirmed that Scott […]

Irish three-piece Ash announce Autumn UK shows
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: ASH – ‘Islands’

May 8, 2018 Michael Barron

Although she was not a founding member, every teenage boy who was an Ash fan in the late nineties is still mourning the departure of Charlotte Hatherley (rhythm guitar, piano, backing vocals) when she left […]

GOMEZ announce 20th anniversary edition of Mercury Music Prize winning debut album 'Bring It On' + UK tour dates 3
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Gomez – Royal Albert Hall, London

May 4, 2018 Michael Barron

The twentieth-anniversary celebrations of Gomez’s Mercury Award-winning debut album almost never got off the ground. When acclaimed support artist John Smith (having previously supported Richard Hawley) took to the stage, a pleasant folk guitar could […]

INTERVIEW: London-based indie band - USELESS CITIES discuss their sound, tour and festival dates 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: London-based indie band – USELESS CITIES discuss their sound, tour and festival dates

May 1, 2018 Michael Barron

Following the premiere of their second EP ‘New Feelings’ on XS Noize in March 2017, Useless Cities are currently touring a string of national headline shows. Despite their demanding schedule, all four members have taken […]

Two Temple Place and The Roaring 2.0s to present: 100 Years of Jazz at Troxy, London on Friday 27th April 2018 1
Live Reviews

Two Temple Place and the Roaring 2.0s present 100 years of Jazz, Troxy, London

April 30, 2018 Michael Barron

To mark 100 years since Jazz reached Britain, Two Temple Place reopened to the public with its seventh annual winter exhibition, Rhythm & Reaction: The Age of Jazz in Britain which ran until 22nd April […]

LIVE REVIEW: Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Cecil Sharp House, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Cecil Sharp House, London

April 23, 2018 Michael Barron

Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman go back a long way, to 1995, where they were part of the “unsung supergroup”, Equation, alongside Seth Lakeman and Kate Rusby. In the early noughties, the couple toured a […]

Two Temple Place and The Roaring 2.0s to present: 100 Years of Jazz at Troxy, London on Friday 27th April 2018 1
Gigs

Two Temple Place and The Roaring 2.0s to present: 100 Years of Jazz at Troxy, London on Friday 27th April 2018

April 13, 2018 Michael Barron

On Friday 27th April 2018, to commemorate Two Temple Place’s Rhythm & Reaction: The Age of Jazz in Britain 2018 exhibition, celebrating the age of Jazz in Britain (running until Sunday 22nd April 2018 ), […]

REVIEW: GANG OF FOUR - 'Complicit' EP
Album Reviews

REVIEW: GANG OF FOUR – ‘Complicit’ EP

April 10, 2018 Michael Barron

From their inception in 1977, taking their name from a Chinese Communist political faction associated with Mao Zedong’s widow, Andy Gill and his band Gang of Four have shown that they will not compromise the […]

MASTERSYSTEM reveal 'Enlightenment' – new single out today
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Mastersystem – Dance Music

March 29, 2018 Michael Barron

The story of Mastersystem began when Scottish band Frightened Rabbit recruited a couple filmmakers: The Lockey brothers (Justin Lockey (Editors lead guitar since 2012) and James Lockey (Minor Victories bass) to follow them around whilst […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Levellers - 'We the Collective'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Levellers – ‘We the Collective’

March 23, 2018 Michael Barron

When the Levellers announced that they were going to release a new acoustic album and that eight of these songs would be reinterpretations of their hit singles including One Way, Exodus and Hope Street, several […]

ALBUM REVIEW: DMA's - 'For Now'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: DMA’s – ‘For Now’

March 19, 2018 Michael Barron

When Oasis was cited as a key influence on this trio’s sound; it became yet another issue that would divide the Gallagher brothers. Liam, after seeing them live sung DMA’s praises saying “I like what […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Cabbage - 'Post Nihilistic Glamour Shots'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Cabbage – ‘Post Nihilistic Glamour Shots’

March 15, 2018 Michael Barron

Despite self-describing their sound as “Indie rock’s lowest common denominator”, in their short existence, Cabbage became the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition winners in 2016. They have released thirty-six singles and played over two hundred gigs. […]

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 […]

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