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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • The Milk
          News

          The Milk Return with ‘Borderlands’ — Their Most Ambitious Album to Date

          August 15, 2025

          On 19 September, WLS Records will release The Milk’s sophisticated new album Borderlands, which features outstanding songwriting, deftly served by extraordinary musicianship, mixed with ambitious arrangements and world-class production. A lovingly crafted sonic memoir, it […]

          Silent Running
          News

          Belfast’s Silent Running Return with Fifth Album ‘Northstar’

          August 15, 2025

          Belfast’s Silent Running folded for a full 30 years after releasing their third album in 1989. One of Ireland’s biggest musical exports in the 1980s was burned out. They had headlined numerous nights at London’s […]

          Ronboy
          News

          Ronboy Returns with Haunting New Single “Disaster” Featuring The National’s Matt Berninger

          August 15, 2025

          Ronboy, the exciting artist project of musician Julia Laws, returns with a haunting new single “Disaster” featuring The National’s frontman Matt Berninger. The track first made its debut on Matt Berninger’s North American US Tour, […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Woody Guthrie – Woody At Home Volumes 1 & 2
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Woody Guthrie – Woody At Home Volumes 1 & 2

          August 13, 2025

          We are closing in on the 58th anniversary of Woody Guthrie’s death; complications from Huntington’s Disease finally sealed his fate on October 3rd, 1967. Despite the lengthy time that has passed, his fingerprints are still […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Richard Hawley - Coles Corner (20th Anniversary)
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Richard Hawley – Coles Corner (20th Anniversary)

          August 6, 2025

          When Coles Corner arrived in 2005, Richard Hawley had recently moved from Setanta to Mute Records, but musically, he was still rooted in the same soil — Sheffield. On paper, it could have been dismissed […]

        • 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: Wet Leg Turn Nottingham Into a Sing-Along Frenzy Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Wet Leg Turn Nottingham Into a Sing-Along Frenzy

          August 15, 2025

          Nottingham’s The Level was bursting at the seams on August 11th as Grammy-winning indie-rock darlings Wet Leg brought their Moisturizer tour to town — and they didn’t just play a gig, they turned it into […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Mangata Festival 2024: A Two-Day Triumph of Heavy Music Across Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Mangata Festival 2025: A Two-Day Triumph of Heavy Music Across Nottingham

          July 17, 2025

          Mangata Festival returned to Nottingham on July 12th, bringing with it a thunderous celebration of heavy music spread across multiple venues in the city. But the festivities began even earlier with Solgata, the official pre-party […]

        • 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// 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, […]

          IN FOCUS// The Darkness Set Wembley Arena Alight with Glam Rock Glory Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// The Darkness Set Wembley Arena Alight with Glam Rock Glory

          April 3, 2025

          On April 29th, one of Britain’s most electrifying live acts, The Darkness, lit up a sold-out OVO Wembley Arena with an impossible show to ignore. Kicking off the night in fine style were Ash, the […]

  • Gigs
        • jason
          Gigs

          Jason Derulo’s 2026 tour: Dates, venues, tickets, and more

          August 10, 2025

          Jason Derulo will be touring the UK in 2026, performing at some of the UK’s grandest venues in major cities. His return promises to be unforgettable, with electrifying dance moves, chart-topping bangers, and a voice […]

          OneRepublic
          Gigs

          The ultimate guide to OneRepublic’s tour

          August 8, 2025

          Pop-rock sensation OneRepublic will bring their “Sweet Escape Tour” to Australia and New Zealand next year. With support from special guest Zara Larsson, Ryan Tedder and the crew will bring their hit songs “Counting Stars” […]

          Metallica
          Gigs

          Everything you need to know about Metallica’s 2026 tour

          August 2, 2025

          From anthems to soulful ballads, Metallica is gearing up to take you on a unique journey through their 40-year catalogue. With no-repeat setlists, colossal stages, and an array of hard-hitting support acts, “M72 World Tour” […]

  • 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
        • The Subways
          Podcasts

          The Subways: 20 Years of ‘Young For Eternity’ & What’s Next | XS Noize Podcast #240

          August 13, 2025

          In Episode #240 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Billy Lunn and Charlotte Cooper,  from The Subways, to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album Young For Eternity and the […]

          XS Noize Podcast #239 – Bob Stanley on Saint Etienne’s final album International
          Podcasts

          Bob Stanley on Saint Etienne’s Final Album “International” and 30 Years of Music | XS Noize Podcast #239

          August 6, 2025

          In Episode #239 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Bob Stanley from Saint Etienne to discuss the legendary band’s 13th and final album, International. For over 30 years, Saint Etienne have […]

          Cam – Behind the Songs of 'All Things Light' and Life After a Grammy | XS Noize Podcast #238
          Podcasts

          Cam – “All Things Light”: Behind the Songs & Grammy Reflections | XS Noize Podcast #238

          July 30, 2025

          In Episode #238 of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Cam to talk about her new album, All Things Light. From her multi-platinum hit “Burning House” to co-writing on Beyoncé’s […]

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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.
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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. […]

English Teacher - This Could Be Texas
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: English Teacher – This Could Be Texas

April 12, 2024 Michael Barron

English Teacher’s debut album, This Could Be Texas, may lack direct references to its titular state, but it offers a rich tapestry of British and local influences, firmly rooted in the experiences of its Leeds-based […]

LIVE REVIEW: James Blunt at The Royal Albert Hall
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: James Blunt at The Royal Albert Hall

April 11, 2024 Michael Barron

James Blunt’s legacy extends far beyond his music, showcasing a remarkable journey marked by extraordinary achievements. From earning his pilot’s license at a mere 16 years old to delving into the complexities of aerospace engineering, […]

LIVE REVIEW: Young Fathers in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust Royal Albert Hall Credit: John Stead
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Young Fathers at The Royal Albert Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

March 24, 2024 Michael Barron

Young Fathers, the award-winning Scottish group, delivered a captivating headline performance at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the prestigious Teenage Cancer Trust concert series. The group showcased its evolution from humble beginnings to […]

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, Royal Albert Hall Credit: John Stead
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds at Royal Albert Hall

March 22, 2024 Michael Barron

The 24th year of Teenage Cancer Trust marks a poignant moment as Roger Daltrey, CBE, from The Who, prepares to step down as its curator after 2024. Over its tenure, this vital charity has amassed […]

LIVE REVIEW: Sonique + Baby D + Rozalla at Royal Festival Hall, London media24 photography
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Sonique + Baby D + Rozalla at Royal Festival Hall, London

March 20, 2024 Michael Barron

When an event is advertised featuring “Sonique + Baby D + Rozalla,” it’s natural to expect a joint headliner showcase with equal set slots. However, this wasn’t the case. Instead, it was predominantly Sonique’s show, […]

LIVE REVIEW: Grace Petrie at Islington Assembly Hall Credit: Emily Marcovecchio
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Grace Petrie at Islington Assembly Hall

March 18, 2024 Michael Barron

At the Islington Assembly Hall, the typical struggle of support acts to garner a full audience was refreshingly absent. Just 15 minutes after the doors opened at 7 pm, Grace Petrie took to the stage […]

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