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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
LIVE REVIEW: Hard-Fi at the Troxy, London Credit: Denise Esposito
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Hard-Fi at the Troxy, London

October 22, 2023 Michael Barron

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 […]

The Streets - The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Streets – The Darker The Shadow The Brighter The Light

October 13, 2023 Michael Barron

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 […]

LIVE REVIEW: PJ Harvey at Camden Roundhouse Credit: Hels Millington
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: PJ Harvey at Camden Roundhouse

October 3, 2023 Michael Barron

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 […]

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 […]

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