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  • DOVES Unearth Lost Track ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ Ahead of Upcoming ‘Best Of’ Collection
  • JAMES Announce “Nothing But Love” – The Definitive Best Of and 2026 UK Arena Tour Dates
  • Richard Ashcroft announces 3Arena Dublin show for May 2026
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra
  • Electro Icons Kraftwerk Return: First UK Tour in Nearly a Decade – Belfast Waterfront Hall, May 18 2026
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Doves
          News

          DOVES Unearth Lost Track ‘Spirit Of Your Friend’ Ahead of Upcoming ‘Best Of’ Collection

          October 6, 2025

          DOVES surprise fans and themselves by releasing a presumed lost track from their studio archive, bringing the soaring Spirit Of Your Friend out of the shadows of fan forum rumours and into the light. Added […]

          JAMES
          News

          JAMES Announce “Nothing But Love” – The Definitive Best Of and 2026 UK Arena Tour Dates

          October 6, 2025

          JAMES have announced Nothing But Love – The Definitive Best Of, due for release on 21 November. The release is a comprehensive and career-spanning collection, documenting the band’s journey from their early singles through to […]

          Richard Ashcroft
          News

          Richard Ashcroft announces 3Arena Dublin show for May 2026

          October 6, 2025

          2025 has already been a phenomenal year for Richard Ashcroft. He has earned rapturous, stadium-wide receptions throughout his run of huge shows as special guest to Oasis, while his recent singles have generated great anticipation […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra

          October 3, 2025

          Perennial 90’s power-pop heroes Ash return this autumn with their ninth studio album, Ad Astra. Now well into their fourth decade together, Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray continue to show that their knack […]

          Idlewild
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’

          October 3, 2025

          The band’s tenth album is their first self-titled release, and it just so happens to be a collection of songs that reflects their majestic, melodic beauty. For a band to reach a tenth record is […]

        • 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: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles Credit: Triffin Constantine
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles

          September 22, 2025

          Sludge, prog, and post-metal band Baroness played an emotional set at Lodge Room in the Highland Park neighbourhood of Los Angeles on Saturday, September 20th. The night was one of remembrance, playing their first two […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate "Inertia" with High-Energy London Launch Show Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate “Inertia” with High-Energy London Launch Show

          September 10, 2025

          To mark the release of their new album Inertia, Pendulum’s Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen brought an electrifying DJ set to HERE at Outernet in London on September 5th. The Australian outfit has long been […]

        • 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// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square © Bernie McAllister
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square

          August 17, 2025

          Putting the Fast in Belfast 7 once again proved why it has become a staple of the city’s summer music calendar. A packed Custom House Square buzzed with anticipation as fans from across generations gathered […]

          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, […]

  • 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
        • 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
        • Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of "Ad Astra" | XS Noize Podcast #248
          Podcasts

          Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of “Ad Astra” | XS Noize Podcast #248

          October 1, 2025

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Rick McMurray looks back on 30 years of Ash and the rocket-fuel energy behind their new album Ad Astra. From teenage beginnings in Downpatrick to global stages, […]

          The Jacques
          Podcasts

          Finn O’Brien on The Jacques’ New Album “Make Repetition!” | XS Noize Podcast #247

          September 28, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube “Will would be proud of us, and he’d never have wanted his loss to stop us doing what we love.” — Finn O’Brien, […]

          Gary Numan
          Podcasts

          Gary Numan on “Telekon” at 45, Wembley Ghosts & His Glastonbury Debut | XS Noize Podcast #246

          September 24, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube In Episode #246 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Gary Numan — one of electronic music’s true pioneers — for a powerful conversation marking the 45th […]

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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
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 […]

Lowlife - Payday
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Lowlife – Payday

November 14, 2022 Michael Barron

Lowlife consists of Jordan Cardy (RATBOY) and his backing band, Liam Haygarth and Harry Todd. The trio gelled so well together that they decided to form their own band and take a DIY approach to […]

LIVE REVIEW: Tim Burgess at Lafayette, Kings Cross, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Tim Burgess at Lafayette, Kings Cross, London

November 10, 2022 Michael Barron

From hosting countless listening parties, which brought thousands of people together during a period they were most needed, to being an accomplished author, the Charlatans frontman has proved he is a master of many trades. […]

DMAs
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: DMA’s at Camden Roundhouse, London

October 31, 2022 Michael Barron

DMA’s efforts following their 2018 LP For Now have seen the band increasingly adopt dance elements and synths alongside their jangly indie-rock sound. They have never had a single that has entered the UK charts, […]

Maximo Park
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Maximo Park at Camden Roundhouse, London

October 10, 2022 Michael Barron

The first thing one notices with the artwork from Maximo Park’s latest LP, Nature Always Wins, is the stunning post-impressionist thick oil-based brushstrokes depicting an unidentified being in the water. Concerning artwork, the Newcastle upon […]

Hard Fi
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Hard-Fi at O2 Kentish Town Forum

October 3, 2022 Michael Barron

The year is 2005. Phones still have rudimentary cameras, and social media, as it is today, is still in an inchoate state. No one filmed on their phones or updated their status during gigs. There […]

Xavier Rudd at Shepherds Bush Empire
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Xavier Rudd at Shepherds Bush Empire

September 30, 2022 Michael Barron

One of the things that makes a great artist is their diversity and plethora of ideas. Xavier Rudd, being of Aboriginal, Irish and Scottish heritage, was at an excellent advantage to develop many ideas, which […]

Dropkick Murphys - This Machine Still Kills Fascists
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Dropkick Murphys – This Machine Still Kills Fascists

September 28, 2022 Michael Barron

Almost two decades ago, Dropkick Murphys covered Woody Guthrie’s “Gonna Be A Blackout Tonight” on their 2003 album Blackout. The idea of using Guthrie’s unreleased lyrics for a future Dropkick Murphys album has since been […]

Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls at Brixton Academy, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls at Brixton Academy, London

September 26, 2022 Michael Barron

Having won a scholarship to study at Eton College, Frank Turner always had potential. Along with his work ethic, sincerity and willingness to get people to participate and come together, his impact has been nothing […]

Sound within Sound by Kate Molleson
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Sound within Sound by Kate Molleson

September 24, 2022 Michael Barron

The number of biographies and autobiographies of artists is colossal, but what makes Sound within Sound unique is the largely unknown contributions of the ten twentieth-century artists Kate Molleson has featured. The one thing all […]

Manic Street Preachers - Know Your Enemy
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers – Know Your Enemy Reissue

September 13, 2022 Michael Barron

This twenty-first-anniversary edition of Know Your Enemy doesn’t feature the LP in its original track order. Instead, the first set of songs under the title of Door to the River feature, to use laypeople’s terms, […]

The Divine Comedy at Barbican Hall, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Divine Comedy at Barbican Hall, London

September 5, 2022 Michael Barron

The Divine Comedy’s five-night residency at the Barbican was initially billed for October 2020 to celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary. The Irish chamber pop band would chronologically play their first ten LPs back to back. […]

Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds Announce 2017 North American Tour
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at All Points East Festival, Mile End, London

August 29, 2022 Michael Barron

All Points East opened with Gorillaz headlining. Eight days in XS Noize caught up with The National, who were joined on stage by Fleet Foxes frontman Robin Pecknold. XS Noize also returned with headliners Nick […]

THE NATIONAL Announce "An Exciting Communal Event" Series
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The National at All Points East Festival, Mile End, London

August 29, 2022 Michael Barron

All Points East only started in 2018, and in less than five years, it has become a ten-day festival catering to 40,000 music lovers daily. The first-day headliner was Gorillaz, where Alina Salihbekova captured some […]

Muse
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Muse – Will Of The People

August 25, 2022 Michael Barron

This ninth Muse offering makes a departure from their previous venture, Simulation Theory, where the rock trio stepped into a metaverse. Now, Muse confronts the tumultuous global reality on Will of the People. Whilst Muse […]

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