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  • INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’
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  • Nerina Pallot Announces Biggest Ever Headline Show at Royal Albert Hall to Celebrate 25 Years of Music
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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
Anarchy in the Albert Hall: The Sex Pistols Deliver a Historic Night for Teenage Cancer Trust
Live Reviews

Anarchy in the Albert Hall: The Sex Pistols Deliver a Historic Night for Teenage Cancer Trust

March 25, 2025 Michael Barron

This year marks 25 years of spectacular shows in support of Teenage Cancer Trust, a charity at the forefront of providing specialist care in environments tailored for young cancer patients. Each teenager’s battle with cancer […]

TYUNGBLUD at Scala: A Theatrical Showcase of New Beginnings Credit: Tom Pallant
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Yungblud at Scala: A Theatrical Showcase of New Beginnings

March 24, 2025 Michael Barron

Dom Harrison, better known as Yungblud, moved to London at just 16 and, much like Amy Winehouse, fell in love with Camden’s raw, electric energy. His genius lies not just in his genre-blurring approach—fusing rock, […]

The WAEVE – KOKO, London: A Spellbinding, Unpredictable Performance Brimming with Suspense and Emotion Credit: Denise Esposito
Live Reviews

The WAEVE – KOKO, London: A Spellbinding, Unpredictable Performance Brimming with Suspense and Emotion

March 21, 2025 Michael Barron

XS Noize has had the privilege of covering benefit gigs that showcase artists in a mesmerising new light, raise awareness for important causes, and provide vital fundraising. One often overlooked aspect of benefit gigs is […]

LIVE REVIEW: Doves at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Doves at Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

March 14, 2025 Michael Barron

According to the band, Doves hadn’t played this London venue since November 2000. Reflecting on that night, they recalled nearly getting kicked out—though they left the details to the imagination—before apologising to the bouncers on […]

LIVE REVIEW: Frank Turner at 93 Feet East for BRITs Week 25 in aid of War Child
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Frank Turner at 93 Feet East for BRITs Week 25 in aid of War Child

February 24, 2025 Michael Barron

Have you ever wondered how artists pick their support acts? Frank Turner’s choice of Ben Brown comes with a hilarious backstory. Picture the scene: Turner is at a barbecue, drinks are flowing, and the vibe […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Doves – Constellations for the Lonely
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Doves – Constellations for the Lonely

February 20, 2025 Michael Barron

Doves have been crafting anthems for the disenchanted for over 25 years, but their story stretches back even further—to the neon-soaked, sweat-drenched floors of Manchester’s legendary Haçienda. Before they became indie royalty, they were Sub […]

Cat Burns
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Cat Burns at Moth Club for BRITs Week 25 in aid of War Child

February 18, 2025 Michael Barron

The February chill did little to deter eager fans from queuing outside Hackney’s Moth Club to witness Cat Burns kick off BRITs Week 25 in aid of War Child. Their patience in the freezing cold […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Kooks’ Intimate Indie Club Night at Notting Hill Arts Centre Credit Dave Hogan
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Kooks’ Intimate Indie Club Night at Notting Hill Arts Centre

January 31, 2025 Michael Barron

The first quarter of 2025 is set to be a landmark period for The Kooks. With their seventh album, Never/Know, arriving on May 9th and a packed tour schedule spanning 20 Australian dates followed by […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Larkin Poe - Bloom
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Larkin Poe – Bloom

January 28, 2025 Michael Barron

2025 marks fifteen years since sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell formed Larkin Poe following the dissolution of the Lovell Sisters, their previous band with elder sister Jessica. Over the years, the duo’s electrifying blend of […]

LIVE REVIEW: Bastille Present “&” live at Shepherds Bush
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Bastille Present “&” live at Shepherds Bush

November 19, 2024 Michael Barron

The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, with its intimate 2,000-seat capacity, became a battleground for over 50,000 fans clamouring for tickets to see Bastille—a band more commonly associated with arena-sized venues like the O2 Arena. Given […]

Bob Dylan
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Bob Dylan live at the Royal Albert Hall: A Night of Reinvention

November 13, 2024 Michael Barron

Bob Dylan’s storied relationship with the Royal Albert Hall dates back to 1965. A year later, he returned to play what has since been immortalized as his “most famous concert ever,” a show now etched […]

LIVE REVIEW: Dhani Harrison at EartH, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Dhani Harrison at EartH, London

October 24, 2024 Michael Barron

Anticipation was high when Dhani Harrison released his debut album IN///PARALLEL in 2017. Prior to that, he had already established himself as a thoughtful and accomplished musician through his work with bands like The New […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Bastille “&” (Ampersand)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bastille – “&”

October 23, 2024 Michael Barron

Bastille’s fifth LP, &, is an ambitious concept album that revolves around the theme of a “collection of story songs” inspired by extraordinary historical and fictional figures. The lineup includes renowned personalities such as the […]

Crowded House
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Crowded House at O2 Arena, London

October 12, 2024 Michael Barron

Crowded House has been remarkably prolific in recent years, with a quarter of their albums released in the 2020s—a striking feat for a band that first formed in 1985. This makes sense, given the band’s […]

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 […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

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