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  • Snow Patrol announce massive 2026 Crystal Palace Park show with Rag’n’Bone Man and Nieve Ella
  • 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
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Snow Patrol
          News

          Snow Patrol announce massive 2026 Crystal Palace Park show with Rag’n’Bone Man and Nieve Ella

          October 7, 2025

          Northern Irish alt-rock juggernauts Snow Patrol have today announced a huge, open-air show taking place at London’s Crystal Palace Park on Friday 3 July 2026. They’ll be joined on the day by evocative singer Rag […]

          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 […]

  • 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
Flogging Molly
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Flogging Molly at Kentish Town Forum

August 20, 2022 Michael Barron

If there ever was a gig that reminded you of the time and the place a gig was played, this Flogging Molly gig was one of them. Despite the record-breaking scorching summer heatwave, gig goers […]

Sports Team - Gulp!
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Sports Team – Gulp!

July 27, 2022 Michael Barron

The Rolling Stones couldn’t cut it as a six-piece, yet this sextet’s debut album Deep Down Happy entered number two in the album chart and was nominated for the 2020 Mercury Music Prize. For this […]

LIVE REVIEW: Midnight Oil at Camden Roundhouse, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Midnight Oil at Camden Roundhouse, London

July 13, 2022 Michael Barron

Midnight Oil go back a long way, with a career spanning just shy of five decades. The Australian rock band played many London venues that are no more, including ZIG Zag Club, which closed its […]

LIVE REVIEW: Kula Shaker at Alexandra Palace Theatre, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kula Shaker at Alexandra Palace Theatre, London

July 9, 2022 Michael Barron

Following a six year hiatus, Kula Shaker returned this year with their sixth album, 1st Congregational Church Of Eternal Love And Free Hugs, which is probably their best to date and fuelled excitement amongst fans […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Rolling Stones at BST Hyde Park, London 2
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Rolling Stones at BST Hyde Park, London

July 4, 2022 Michael Barron

2022 is a year of poignant anniversaries for the Rolling Stones. This Hyde Park gig, their second of 2022, occurred exactly 53 years after the Rolling Stones founder and guitarist Brian Jones died, and July […]

PAUL WELLER Announces London Outdoor Show for 2022 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Home of the Chelsea Pensioners
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Paul Weller at Royal Hospital, Chelsea

June 20, 2022 Michael Barron

When Tom Jones kicked off the 2022 Live at Chelsea festival at the Grade, I listed Royal Hospital Chelsea, the weather couldn’t have been more idyllic for the series of open-air concerts in the courtyard. […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Porcupine Tree - Closure/Continuation
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Porcupine Tree – Closure/Continuation

June 20, 2022 Michael Barron

As late as 2018, when Porcupine Tree frontman and founder Steven Wilson was asked about the band’s chances of reunion, he responded, “Honestly, I would say zero… I’m proud of the catalogue; it’s there, it […]

SIMPLY RED announce summer 2022 shows in Cork & Belfast
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Simply Red at Royal Hospital, Chelsea

June 20, 2022 Michael Barron

When Tom Jones opened the first of 2022 Live at Chelsea in the open-air courtyard concerts, he had perfect weather where all eyes could be on the stage instead of up in the sky out […]

SKUNK ANANSIE release brand new single 'Can't Take You Anywhere'
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Skunk Anansie at Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London

June 18, 2022 Michael Barron

In 2019 XS Noize was invited to Meltdown, the world’s longest-running artist-curated festival. A series of live events, including Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Johnny Marr and Mystery Jets, was curated by Nile Rogers. Grace Jones […]

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Jones at Royal Hospital, Chelsea
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Tom Jones at Royal Hospital, Chelsea

June 16, 2022 Michael Barron

The Grade I listed Royal Hospital Chelsea has now been the home of the Chelsea Pensioners for 330 years. The hospital receives funding from a grant-in-aid from the government; it needs to make up annual […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Kula Shaker - 1st Congregational Church Of Eternal Love And Free Hugs
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Kula Shaker – 1st Congregational Church Of Eternal Love And Free Hugs

June 4, 2022 Michael Barron

From the introduction, the listener transports to the fictional 1st Congregational Church Of Eternal Love And Free Hugs, supposedly set in Little Sodbury, 14 miles from Bath, where Kula Shaker frontman Crispian Mills used to […]

LIVE REVIEW: Amyl and the Sniffers at Brixton Academy, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Amyl and the Sniffers at Brixton Academy, London

June 2, 2022 Michael Barron

The four-piece pub rock and punk rock band Amyl and the Sniffers not only came all the way from Melbourne, Australia, they also brought New South Wales band Pist Idiots along as the opening support […]

LIAM GALLAGHER announces huge Knebworth Park show & ‘C’MON YOU KNOW’ album release date 2
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Liam Gallagher – C’Mon You Know

May 26, 2022 Michael Barron

Liam Gallagher is a huge Manchester City fan who uses the Manchester City chant at gigs. He has now borrowed Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling’s catchphrase “C’Mon You Know” for the title of his new […]

TRAVIS release Fran Healy-directed video for new track 'All Fall Down'
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Travis at Camden Roundhouse, London

May 23, 2022 Michael Barron

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Travis’ third album, The Invisible Band, this LP was remastered by Emily Lazar and reissued at the end of 2021 in two limited-edition formats. Described by lead guitarist/banjo player […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Anvil - Impact is Imminent
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Anvil – Impact is Imminent

May 20, 2022 Michael Barron

The media coverage of Anvil over their forty-plus years in the music industry has been a poisoned chalice for the Canadian trio. On the one hand, they have been parodied as pioneers whose songs, including […]

The Mercury Prize-winning, chart-topping alt-J release new track THE ACTOR
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Alt-J at Brixton Academy, London

May 20, 2022 Michael Barron

Changing your name for legal reasons can be a nightmare for bands, but it can lead to brainstorming innovative ideas that would not have otherwise emerged. Whilst not the first artist to do so, Alt-J, […]

BOOK REVIEW: Radiohead: Life in a Glasshouse - John Aizlewood
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Radiohead: Life in a Glasshouse – John Aizlewood

May 18, 2022 Michael Barron

Consistency, work ethic, teamwork, innovation and the ability to evolve musically by defying trends have made Radiohead an international success story. After all, how many bands that found their footing in the early nineties still […]

LIVE REVIEW: Belle and Sebastian @ Rough Trade East, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Belle and Sebastian @ Rough Trade East, London

May 16, 2022 Michael Barron

From writing a song about a “Funny Little Frog”, the Glaswegian septet have been known for their entertaining live antics. At the 2015 Bonnaroo Music Festival the band invited actors John Hamm and Zach Galifianakis […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Divine Comedy @ The London Palladium
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Divine Comedy @ The London Palladium

May 5, 2022 Michael Barron

Neil Hannon came on stage dressed in a plain suit, a matching plain tie and a white shirt. Now 51-years-old, he barely looked a day older than when he posed with similar attire for the […]

BOOK REVIEW: Leonard Cohen: On A Wire - Philippe Girard 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Leonard Cohen: On A Wire – Philippe Girard

May 3, 2022 Michael Barron

There are several milestones including being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and winning copious awards (including a BRIT) which define the success of an artist. Leonard Cohen not only achieved these, […]

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