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
  • 21

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
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 … 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
  • Imagine Dragons11 of Imagine Dragons’ biggest selling hits April 10, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters - Your Favourite ToyALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy April 30, 2026
  • 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