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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.
Website
ALBUM REVIEW: Desperate Journalist - No Hero
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Desperate Journalist – No Hero

September 26, 2024 Michael Barron

Desperate Journalist’s fifth album, No Hero, marks a shift in their creative approach, led by guitarist Rob Hardy and vocalist Jo Bevan’s collaborative experimentation with a Behringer Poly D synth. Hardy wrote demos in isolation on […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Maxïmo Park - Stream of Life
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Maxïmo Park – Stream of Life

September 23, 2024 Michael Barron

Maxïmo Park’s eighth studio album, Stream of Life, follows their 2021 release Nature Always Wins, which proved that, after two decades together, the Newcastle-upon-Tyne band could still captivate audiences. Stream of Life draws inspiration from […]

Snow Patrol
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Snow Patrol at Koko, London

September 12, 2024 Michael Barron

Snow Patrol, a band more accustomed to filling 20,000-capacity venues like London’s O2 Arena, treated fans to an intimate performance at the 1,500-capacity Koko—a refurbished gem in Camden, London, that reopened in 2022. The venue’s […]

Snow Patrol - The Forest Is the Path
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Snow Patrol – The Forest Is the Path

September 9, 2024 Michael Barron

In 2006, Snow Patrol’s fourth LP, Eyes Open, became the UK’s best-selling album of the year. Their enduring success lies in their ability to evolve from a raw indie sound into a more polished, commercially […]

LIVE REVIEW: Death Cab for Cutie & The Postal Service at All Points East
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Death Cab for Cutie & The Postal Service at All Points East

August 27, 2024 Michael Barron

This year’s All Points East delivered a series of spectacular moments, starting with producer Kaytranada, who captivated the audience with his hits, including Victoria Monet’s “Alright.” The festival hit a triple high with three standout […]

LIVE REVIEW: LCD Soundsystem at All Points East, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: LCD Soundsystem at All Points East, London

August 26, 2024 Michael Barron

All Points East has consistently brought top-tier music to the East End of London, with past headliners like Nick Cave and The Strokes. In 2024, the festival kicked off with an electrifying performance by producer […]

Taylor Swift
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium, London

August 18, 2024 Michael Barron

It’s safe to say that almost everyone knows who Taylor Swift is. While she has dabbled in acting and appeared in blockbuster films, her primary identity is that of a singer-songwriter. Media coverage of Swift […]

LIVE REVIEW: Stevie Nicks at BST Hyde Park, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Stevie Nicks at BST Hyde Park, London

July 14, 2024 Michael Barron

This year’s British Summertime series has been an impressive spectacle. Kings of Leon delivered a set filled with their biggest hits, while Robbie Williams, accompanied by special guests like Gaz Coombes and a 44-piece brass […]

LIVE REVIEW: Robbie Williams at BST Hyde Park, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Robbie Williams at BST Hyde Park, London

July 7, 2024 Michael Barron

Robbie Williams’ return to the British Summertime Hyde Park five years after his first 65,000-capacity sell-out show was another resounding success. With support acts including Gaz Coombes and Seal, the evening promised to be, as […]

Anohni and the Johnsons at Barbican Centre, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Anohni and the Johnsons at Barbican Centre, London

July 3, 2024 Michael Barron

Anohni and the Johnsons first captured widespread attention when they won the 2005 Mercury Music Prize, surpassing notable contenders like Seth Lakeman. Classified under genres such as art pop, chamber pop, and avant-pop, Anohni and […]

KINGS OF LEON
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kings of Leon at BST, Hyde Park, London

July 1, 2024 Michael Barron

Following a seven-year hiatus, Kings of Leon returned to headline the British Summertime Hyde Park festival. 2017, the main support acts were Pixies and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats. This time, Paulo Nutini and […]

LIVE REVIEW: Chaka Khan & Nu Civilisation Orchestra at Meltdown Festival Credit: Jasper Watkins
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Chaka Khan & Nu Civilisation Orchestra at Meltdown Festival

June 24, 2024 Michael Barron

Over her fifty-year career in music, Chaka Khan has proven herself to be a musical pioneer. She won a Grammy Award as part of Rufus and became the first R&B artist to have a crossover […]

LIVE REVIEW: Lady Blackbird at Meltdown Festival, Royal Festival Hall
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Lady Blackbird at Meltdown Festival, Royal Festival Hall

June 22, 2024 Michael Barron

When Chaka Khan curated this year’s Meltdown Festival lineup, Lady Blackbird, also known as Marley Munroe, must have been a standout choice. Omitting an artist often compared to Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, and dubbed […]

LIVE REVIEW: Incognito at Meltdown Festival, Southbank Centre
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Incognito at Meltdown Festival, Southbank Centre

June 21, 2024 Michael Barron

The beloved Southbank Centre Meltdown annual festival has returned, featuring a lineup that includes the iconic acid jazz band Incognito, celebrating their 45th anniversary. Cofounder Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick leads the band, whose illustrious career spans […]

The Zombies at Barbican Centre, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Zombies at Barbican Centre, London

June 10, 2024 Michael Barron

This show commemorated 60 years since the St Albans-formed band began recording at the then-Decca Studios in West Hampstead in 1964. This achievement is remarkable, especially considering The Zombies amicably split in 1967, believing they […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Bat for Lashes - The Dream of Delphi
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bat for Lashes – The Dream of Delphi

May 28, 2024 Michael Barron

Bat for Lashes, the musical project of Natasha Khan, began as a personal refuge during her time working at a card-packing factory after completing her A-levels. Her latest LP, The Dream of Delphi, is particularly […]

LIVE REVIEW: Arab Strap at Koko, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Arab Strap at Koko, London

May 27, 2024 Michael Barron

Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road was revolutionary when it was released in 1957 because it discussed taboo themes few authors of the time dared to explore. Similarly, Arab Strap’s notoriety, as one journalist put […]

The Mountain Goats
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Mountain Goats at Camden Roundhouse, London

May 23, 2024 Michael Barron

Before the North Carolina-based quartet, The Mountain Goats graced the stage, the crowd was treated to a stellar performance by support band Gently Tender. Comprised of several former Palma Violets members and Celia Archer from […]

New Model Army
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: New Model Army at Camden Roundhouse, London

May 13, 2024 Michael Barron

New Model Army are celebrating their 44th anniversary with their latest album Unbroken and an international tour. This tour is special with support from nineties chart toppers Ned’s Atomic Dustbin. The Stourbridge formed quintet provided […]

The Men They Couldn't Hang
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Men They Couldn’t Hang at Shepherds Bush Empire, London

April 29, 2024 Michael Barron

Attending a live performance by The Men They Couldn’t Hang is akin to embarking on a journey through the annals of folk-punk history. Their enduring presence for four decades speaks volumes about their musical prowess. […]

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