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  • Ronboy Returns with Haunting New Single “Disaster” Featuring The National’s Matt Berninger
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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.
Website
pil
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Public Image Ltd at Kentish Town Forum

October 2, 2023 Michael Barron

With an eight-year hiatus, since PiL released their last LP, PiL’s devoted fan base was elated that not only a new album, End Of World, has finally been released but an impressive 38-date tour, including […]

Jorja Smith - Falling or Flying
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Jorja Smith – Falling or Flying

September 28, 2023 Michael Barron

How many people can say by age 21 that they have toured and collaborated with Stormzy and Drake before even releasing their debut LP? With her debut LP Lost & Found taking five years to […]

Teenage Fanclub - Nothing Lasts Forever
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Teenage Fanclub – Nothing Lasts Forever

September 20, 2023 Michael Barron

For this, Teenage Fanclub’s eleventh LP, the now quintet, returned to Rockfield Studios in the Welsh countryside, where they recorded Howdy! in the late nineties. Whilst the veterans only have one top twenty hit to […]

LIVE REVIEW: Kula Shaker at The 100 Club, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kula Shaker at The 100 Club, London

September 7, 2023 Michael Barron

Twenty years following the departure of their original organist in 1999, Kula Shaker released their sixth LP, First Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs, which can best be described as their most vital […]

BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes

August 29, 2023 Michael Barron

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 […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Strokes at All Points East Festival, Mile End, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Strokes at All Points East Festival

August 29, 2023 Michael Barron

As well as 2023 ending the four-year hiatus since The Strokes headlined All Points East, this festival day saw terrific performances by The Walkmen, Amyl and the Sniffers and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. After taking […]

ABBA Voyage at ABBA Arena, London
Live Reviews

REVIEW: ABBA Voyage at ABBA Arena, London

August 18, 2023 Michael Barron

The last ABBA UK live performance took place on 11th December 1982. The Swedish quartet played ‘Thank You for the Music’ on The Late Breakfast Show hosted by Noel Edmonds almost five years before MTV […]

Liam Gallagher at Koko, London Photo credit: Zekaria Al-Bostani (@zek.snaps)
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Liam Gallagher at Koko, London

August 10, 2023 Michael Barron

Much media coverage has been about large music venues and outside music events being pivotal to boosting the economy. Thankfully, some small music venues, including the 1,410-capacity Koko, received significant investment too. Following £ 70 […]

The Ballad of Darren
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Blur – The Ballad of Darren

July 20, 2023 Michael Barron

When Blur released their last LP, The Magic Whip, there was much joy since it was their first album since 1999’s 13, where each track featured all of the original band members. Furthermore, The Magic […]

LIVE REVIEW: Belle and Sebastian at Camden Roundhouse, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Belle and Sebastian at Camden Roundhouse, London

July 19, 2023 Michael Barron

Over two years ago, Belle and Sebastian announced they would perform two dates at the Camden Roundhouse. These February 2022 gigs were postponed for another nine months. A “health issue” pushed them back further to […]

kaiser chiefs
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kaiser Chiefs at Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London

July 10, 2023 Michael Barron

Playing out a festival is always an honour. It is even more notable when the venue is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the most part, the sun shined. The seldom drops of rain that […]

Black Eyed Peas
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Black Eyed Peas at Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London

July 10, 2023 Michael Barron

When the Greenwich Summer Sounds festival kicked off with Nile Rogers & CHIC, the festival had to contend with brutal weather. Ponchos and waterproofs could not see off the worst of the rain. There was […]

Nile Rogers & CHIC
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Nile Rogers & CHIC at Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London

July 6, 2023 Michael Barron

Not only is the Old Royal Naval College over 330 years old with beautiful grounds idyllic for a summer festival, but it is also a cultural destination in the heart of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO […]

LIVE REVIEW: Dögs of War (Mötley Crüe) at The Underworld, Camden, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Dögs of War (Mötley Crüe) at The Underworld, Camden, London

July 3, 2023 Michael Barron

Around a week before this show, Mötley Crüe issued a poster advertising an up-and-coming show for the band Dögs of War at The Underworld in Camden, London. With this gig occurring one day before Mötley […]

LIVE REVIEW: Sigur Rós & The London Contemporary Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Sigur Rós & The London Contemporary Orchestra at Royal Festival Hall

June 19, 2023 Michael Barron

The 28th rendition of the Southbank Centre Meltdown annual festival has seen impressive performances by acts including art-rockers Warpaint. Before the festival curator Christine and the Queens played out the two final shows, Icelandic post-rockers […]

LIVE REVIEW: Warpaint at Royal Festival Hall
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Warpaint at Royal Festival Hall

June 13, 2023 Michael Barron

The Southbank Centre Meltdown annual festival has returned, where a famous artist curates ten days of fantastic music. Last year, Grace Jones curated, performed, and invited acts, including Skunk Anansie, to perform. This year’s curator […]

SMASH - The Singles 1985-2020
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Pet Shop Boys – SMASH – The Singles 1985 – 2020

June 12, 2023 Michael Barron

Whilst this poignant album celebrates 35 years of hits for the pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys story dates back to 1982 when vocalist Neil Tennant became the news editor of the former British teen […]

My Morning Jacket
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: My Morning Jacket at Kentish Town Forum, London

June 1, 2023 Michael Barron

With the global events of 2020, the length of the hiatus since artists last performed in a specific location has soared. However, few artists have had a break of eight years since they last played […]

The Levellers
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Levellers at Hackney Empire, London

May 25, 2023 Michael Barron

When the Levellers took their first acoustic album, We The Collective, of reinterpreted old and new songs on tour in 2018, the London leg took them to Camden Roundhouse in North London. Five years later, […]

Kultur Shock
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kultur Shock at The 100 Club, London

May 2, 2023 Michael Barron

Whilst Kultur Shock are a Seattle-based band, they do not have a presumed Seattle sound. As “de-facto founders of the gypsy punk movement”, their sound transcends geography. Over the last 26 years, Kultur Shock has […]

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