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  • Placebo Share Reworked ‘Lady of the Flowers’ From Forthcoming Album Placebo Re:Created
  • Peter Gabriel Shares New Track ‘Won’t Stand Down’ From Forthcoming Album o\i
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy
  • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
  • Natalie Imbruglia announces new album ‘Algorithm’ and shares new single ‘Upside Down’
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  • News
        • Placebo
          News

          Placebo Share Reworked ‘Lady of the Flowers’ From Forthcoming Album Placebo Re:Created

          May 1, 2026

          Today, Placebo release the newly reworked version of Lady of the Flowers, the second track to be shared from their forthcoming new album Placebo Re:Created, set for release 19th June 2026 via Elevator Lady Ltd through AWAL. Listen to Lady of the Flowers […]

          Peter Gabriel
          News

          Peter Gabriel Shares New Track ‘Won’t Stand Down’ From Forthcoming Album o\i

          May 1, 2026

          The flower moon of 1 May, 2026 is the first of two full moons in the month, and with it comes the release of the fifth song from Peter Gabriel’s forthcoming album o\i. Won’t Stand […]

          Natalia Imbruglia
          News

          Natalie Imbruglia announces new album ‘Algorithm’ and shares new single ‘Upside Down’

          April 29, 2026

          Natalia Imbruglia is known to millions as the star behind the global hit ‘Torn’ which remains one of the defining songs of the nineties. It started a phenomenal run of success which has included two BRIT Awards, three Grammy nominations, a Silver […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters - Your Favourite Toy
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy

          April 30, 2026

          If But Here We Are was the funeral, Your Favorite Toy is the violent, jagged intake of breath that follows – a resurrection that is dangerously alive. On their twelfth studio outing, Dave Grohl and gang […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck - Optimizer
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Stuck – Optimizer

          April 21, 2026

          The dormant gears of Chicago’s post-punk stalwarts have finally ground back into motion. Following a three-year break, Stuck return with Optimizer, a record that suggests the only way to navigate a collapsing world is to […]

        • 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

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer) Credit: Marc Leach
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

          April 5, 2026

          As Storm Dave closed in on Northern Ireland, another storm was already gathering. Inside Limelight 2, Belfast, local metal titans Survivalist unleashed thunder of their own — a fitting backdrop for the release of their […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring 'The Mountain' to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut Credit: Luke Dyson
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Gorillaz bring ‘The Mountain’ to Belfast — no nostalgia at the SSE Arena debut

          April 1, 2026

          Gorillaz finally made it to Belfast — and instead of rolling out a greatest hits set, they came in with something very different. Support came from Argentine rapper, singer and songwriter Trueno, and I’ve never […]

        • 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: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer) Credit: Marc Leach
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

          April 5, 2026

          As Storm Dave closed in on Northern Ireland, another storm was already gathering. Inside Limelight 2, Belfast, local metal titans Survivalist unleashed thunder of their own — a fitting backdrop for the release of their […]

          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 […]

  • Gigs
        • December 10
          Gigs

          December 10 announce Ulster Hall, Belfast show for July 20th 2026

          April 2, 2026

          Britain’s brand-new boyband December 10 today announce December 10: The Next Step– kicking off in Edinburgh on Friday 10 July and wrapping in Dublin on Tuesday 21 July. “We loved our Introducing! run of shows […]

          White Denim
          Gigs

          White Denim set for Belfast return with Limelight 2 headline show on August 27th 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Formed in 2006, for approaching 20 years White Denim has been celebrated for their fearless blend of garage rock, soul, jazz fusion, psychedelia, and experimental improvisation. Based for much of that time in Austin, though […]

          Tom Jones
          Gigs

          Tom Jones to Play Dublin & Belfast Headline Shows This August 2026

          March 30, 2026

          Legendary Welsh singer and performer Tom Jones has announced a return to Ireland with a headline show within the idyllic grounds of Palmerstown House Estate, just 20 minutes from Dublin City Centre on Sunday 09th […]

  • Interviews
        • Col Gerrard
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Col Gerrard on his self-titled debut, touring with Boyzlife and what comes next

          April 20, 2026

          London-born singer-songwriter Col Gerrard has loved music from an early age, and that passion shines throughout his self-titled debut album. Drawing on a range of influences, the record takes listeners on an emotional journey, with […]

          Ganser
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Alicia Gaines on the Architecture of Ganser and Discomfort by Design

          April 12, 2026

          Chicago’s underground has always thrived in the margins, and few bands embody that restless, art-driven spirit quite like Ganser. Formed in the city’s DIY circuit, the group have carved out a reputation for wiry, confrontational […]

          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. […]

  • Podcast
        • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
          Podcast

          Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282

          April 29, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Glen Hansard for a warm, honest and deeply reflective conversation about his new live/studio album, Don+t Settle – (Vol 1 Transmissions […]

          Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
          Podcast

          Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281

          April 22, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Miles Hunt for a candid, funny and reflective conversation marking 40 years of The Wonder Stuff. You can watch the full […]

          Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
          Podcast

          Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280

          April 14, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Carol Decker for a candid, funny and revealing conversation about T’Pau’s return with the new album Be Wonderful. You can watch […]

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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
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. […]

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 […]

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  • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
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  • Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
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  • Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
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