Starsailor, a band born from chance encounters at Wigan College, may not be a quintessential Wigan-based group, but their legacy as a musical institution is undeniable. Celebrating two decades since their debut, the release of […]
The burgeoning association of the term “DIY” with artists reflects the escalating challenges posed by soaring costs, reliance on streaming services, and the imperative for continuous touring. Seth Lakeman exemplified a steadfast commitment to this […]
The BRITs Week live event featuring Sleaford Mods marked a remarkable evening at a small grassroots venue with a 2,000 capacity, all supporting War Child—a noble cause aiding children affected by global conflicts. Sleaford Mods […]
Charity gigs can showcase well-established acts in intimate venues, typically too small to meet the fervent demands of fans. XS Noize has chronicled the outstanding live performances emanating from such events. Alongside the musical brilliance, […]
In 2007, MGMT burst into the mainstream with a youthful vision and a strategic resolve to avoid the pitfalls of mediocrity. The lyrics of “Time to Pretend” encapsulated this ethos, celebrating the decision to live […]
Amid numerous peculiar predictions for 2024, this year also commemorates two decades since the mid-noughties era. Specifically, it marks the twenty-year milestone since the formation of Brighton-based band The Go! Team, and the release of […]
In 2022, Kula Shaker unveiled their most ambitious and thematic album, 1st Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs. Following the album’s release, the band reunited with their original lineup, welcoming organist Jay Darlington […]
A lot has changed since Black Grape released their last LP, Pop Voodoo. Shaun Ryder was diagnosed with ADHD in 2020 and lost his brother Paul, and Kermit (Paul Leveridge) lost his father just days […]
With six LPs under his belt and having proved himself a master of rearrangements, Wolf, aka Patrick Denis Apps, had more than enough material to make his electro-pop folk and Baroque chamber music sound new […]
For too long now, a trend has emerged where people pay no interest to the support act or acts opening the leading performer. Venues are often barely a third packed within the first half an […]
Having performed at Glastonbury and opened for Blur, Georgia Ellery and Taylor Skye, being Guildhall School of Music graduates, were ready to take on the two-night Barbican Centre residency. Jockstrap, nominated for the Mercury Prize, […]
Despite initially splitting up after just five years in 1998, with several extended hiatus’, Black Grape turned 30 this year. While there was no mention of this anniversary, new material debuted from their forthcoming fourth […]
Established artists and their managers over the last five years or so have agonised about how they will introduce new material live and build up enough nerve to avoid playing essential classic tracks. Van Morrison […]
The revered cult status of Bob Mould is, in many respects, an enigma. Mould is best known for his work in Hüsker Dü, which had modest commercial success. His biggest-selling LP, Copper Blue, was with […]
The Brand New Heavies began life in 1985 as an instrumental acid jazz group called Brothers International and changed their name once they signed their first record contract. When any band is still going strong […]
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 […]
Since the video “In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company” was released, it has amassed over 380 million views. Whilst it may not be in the “Billion Views Club”, no one can say this isn’t […]
In 2022, following an eight-year live hiatus, Hard-Fi advised that they would play a handful of dates, including a gig at the Kentish Town Forum in London. Whether it was the length of time since […]
When multi-instrumentalist Mike Skinner’s project The Streets released their first LP in 2002, apart from offering a fresh, vibrant sound, its success was also being able to capture the zeitgeist. Over 20 years later, cultural […]
In 1991, Polly Jean Harvey formed PJ Harvey as a three-piece with Rob Ellis and Ian Oliver. Based on their first performance at a skittle alley in Charmouth Village Hall in 1991, when they cleared […]