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  • Midge Ure Announces New Album ‘A Man Of Two Worlds’ — Out May 8
  • 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
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  • News
        • Midge Ure
          News

          Midge Ure Announces New Album ‘A Man Of Two Worlds’ — Out May 8

          March 10, 2026

          Today (10 March), acclaimed musician, producer, and songwriter Midge Ure announces his new album A Man Of Two Worlds, due for release on 8 May. In recent years Midge Ure has spent his time playing live, and not […]

          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 – […]

  • 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
Temples - Exotico
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Temples – Exotico

April 13, 2023 Michael Barron

Exotico is different from Temples previous three albums for two reasons; firstly, it is the Kettering band’s debut double album; secondly, it is the first LP that is not self-produced. Exotico was produced by Sean […]

Kasabian
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kasabian at The Royal Albert Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

March 27, 2023 Michael Barron

Underworld opened the first night of the 2023 series of live events in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, the second night of music came from Wet Leg, and on the penultimate night of this wonderful […]

IN FOCUS// Wet Leg at The Limelight, Belfast
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Wet Leg at The Royal Albert Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

March 27, 2023 Michael Barron

Following the sold-out first night of music by headliners Underworld in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, Wet Leg, with two support bands CMAT and Honeyglaze, graced the Royal Albert Hall with a second night of […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Pixies at Camden Roundhouse Credit: Denise Esposito
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Pixies at Camden Roundhouse, London

March 23, 2023 Michael Barron

It is hard to believe that The Pixies formed almost 40 years ago. Despite releasing four albums and enjoying huge success, it looked as if the band would not last a decade when frontman Black […]

Underworld
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Underworld at The Royal Albert Hall in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust

March 21, 2023 Michael Barron

The point when normality returned following COVID-19 is debatable but it’s impossible to deny that after an unwanted three-year hiatus, much normality returned when the Teenage Cancer Trust festival was revived in 2022 and saw […]

LIVE REVIEW: F*cked Up at Lafayette, London Credit: Dani Bolton/Lafayette
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: F*cked Up at Lafayette, London

March 20, 2023 Michael Barron

If someone was to bring up in conversation “Who was that band that fought the law…?” Most people would think of either The Clash or Sonny Curtis and his band The Crickets. Canadian hardcore band […]

Levellers Collective
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Levellers Collective – Together All The Way

March 8, 2023 Michael Barron

Five years ago The Levellers released their Abbey Road recorded and John Leckie produced acoustic LP We the Collective. Two new songs and eight original Levellers classics were reimagined as part of an ensemble of […]

LIVE REVIEW: Eagle Eye Cherry at O2 Islington Academy Photo credit: Pontus Hammarstrom
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Eagle-Eye Cherry at O2 Islington Academy

February 16, 2023 Michael Barron

With last year marking 25 years since the release of Eagle-Eye Cherry’s debut LP Desireless, and not having played in the UK since 2019, a UK stopover from the Swedish artist was long overdue. Before […]

British Mod Sounds Volume 2: The Freakbeat & Psych Years
Album Reviews

Eddie Piller presents British Mod Sounds Volume 2: The Freakbeat & Psych Years

February 15, 2023 Michael Barron

When Eddie Piller initially compiled 100 tracks to capture the best of British Mod sounds, no follow-up was intended. According to Piller, the initial collection was “PERFECT” which couldn’t be improved upon. The collection covered […]

Bonny Light Horseman
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Bonny Light Horseman at Union Chapel, London

February 9, 2023 Michael Barron

“Supergroups” are not new. However, with a lineup consisting of Anaïs Mitchell, best known for providing the songs for the musical Hadestown, Eric D. Johnson, Fruit Bats, The Shins, and Josh Kaufman, who has produced […]

Temples
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Temples at Lafayette, London

February 7, 2023 Michael Barron

In 2014 the Kettering-based Temples released their self-produced debut LP Sun Structures which entered the top ten UK album chart. Whilst the band has had some impressive accolades including performing on The Tonight Show Starring […]

Eliza Carthy
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Eliza & Martin Carthy & The Restitution at Barbican Centre, London

February 6, 2023 Michael Barron

Last year saw Eliza Carthy celebrate her 30th year in the music industry. Before this gig, Eliza took to Twitter to ask fans which songs they would like to see reinterpreted for a new LP. […]

Bob Dylan
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bob Dylan – Fragments – Time Out Of Mind Sessions (1996 – 1997) The Bootleg Series Vol. 17

January 25, 2023 Michael Barron

Time Out of Mind upon its release in 1997 was the first album of original songs since the poorly received Under the Red Sky seven years earlier. Time Out of Mind, received impressive reviews and […]

Ziggy Marley - Music Is In Everything
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Ziggy Marley – Music Is In Everything

January 16, 2023 Michael Barron

Back in 2020, Ziggy Marley teamed up with Lisa Loeb to release a catchy and infectious song that will get people of all ages to sing along called “Music Is in everything”. This song which […]

IDLEWILD celebrates 25 years as a band with special November anniversary shows 1
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Idlewild at O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London

December 19, 2022 Michael Barron

Having an anniversary tour when a band’s significant album reached a poignant milestone is hardly an original concept. Still, with more artists doing these anniversary tours, they can be considered modern and part of the […]

pop rock icons
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Pop Rock Icons by Philippe Margotin

December 15, 2022 Michael Barron

Judging by the front cover, one might expect Pop Rock Icons to be festooned with infographics. It isn’t. Instead, it’s a collection of photographs depicting “London’s Swingin’ 60s & 70s”. Rather than homogenise and cluster […]

Kula Shaker
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kula Shaker at Shepherds Bush Empire, London

December 11, 2022 Michael Barron

With over 25 years of being, Kula Shaker has built live staples guaranteed to enchant and exhilarate fans old and new. As has become a tradition, the four-piece opened with “Hey Dude”, which instantly gained […]

NOFX - Double Album
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: NOFX – Double Album

December 8, 2022 Michael Barron

NOFX, throughout their almost four decades career, has been known for making controversial statements, and the band members have not become more mild-mannered as they enter their fifties. The latest being that the Beatles’ White […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Hoosiers at Heaven, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Hoosiers at Heaven, London

December 5, 2022 Michael Barron

In 2007 with several high-charting singles and a debut number-one album, it looked like The Hoosiers had found The Trick to Life. Their sophomore effort, The Illusion of Safety, made it into the top ten, […]

Bellowhead at Royal Albert Hall, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Bellowhead at Royal Albert Hall, London

November 15, 2022 Michael Barron

In 2010 Bellowhead made history when their third LP, Headonism, became the highest-selling independently released folk album of all time. The eleven-piece (before they disbanded in 2016) then released another two albums, which earned them […]

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