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  • INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’
  • Alison Moyet to Play Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on November 3rd 2026
  • Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
  • Nerina Pallot Announces Biggest Ever Headline Show at Royal Albert Hall to Celebrate 25 Years of Music
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Harry Styles – Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally
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
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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LATEST PODCASTS

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