Skip to main content
Trending
  • Music Venue Trust Annual Report 2025 reveals stark reality for Northern Ireland’s grassroots music venues
  • Madonna has announced that her eagerly anticipated new album “Confessions II” will be released on July 3
  • Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
  • The Anchoress announces new album “As We Once Were” and shares new single “I Had a Baby Not A Lobotomy”
  • The Milk unveil video for new single ‘Loaded Dice’ and announce summer live dates, including Gent Jazz Festival
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Music Venue Trust Annual Report 2025
          News

          Music Venue Trust Annual Report 2025 reveals stark reality for Northern Ireland’s grassroots music venues

          April 15, 2026

          Northern Ireland has produced Snow Patrol, Two Door Cinema Club, The Undertones, Ash, Stiff Little Fingers, Gary Moore, Van Morrison and more from a population roughly the size of Greater Manchester. Every one of them […]

          madonna
          News

          Madonna has announced that her eagerly anticipated new album “Confessions II” will be released on July 3

          April 15, 2026

          Madonna announced today her eagerly anticipated new album Confessions ll is set for release on July 3rd via Warner Records. The new album is the continuation of the iconic counterpart Confessions on a Dance Floor. […]

          The Anchoress
          News

          The Anchoress announces new album “As We Once Were” and shares new single “I Had a Baby Not A Lobotomy”

          April 14, 2026

          Welsh multi-instrumentalist and producer The Anchoress — the recording name of Catherine Anne Davies — has announced her new album As We Once Were, alongside the release of its first single, “I Had a Baby […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Dandy Warhols - Pin Ups
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Dandy Warhols – Pin Ups

          March 25, 2026

          There’s long been a subtle rebellious streak at the core of The Dandy Warhols. Since emerging from Portland in 1994, they’ve approached genres as something fluid rather than fixed, and Pin Ups – their 2026 […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Twilight Sad - It’s the Long Goodbye
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Twilight Sad – It’s the Long Goodbye

          March 24, 2026

          It’s been seven years since The Twilight Sad released It Won’t Be Like This All the Time — a record that cemented their place as one of the most emotionally direct and sonically powerful bands […]

        • 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
        • 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. […]

          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, […]

  • Podcast
        • 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 […]

          The Boxer Rebellion
          Podcast

          The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279

          April 7, 2026

          The Boxer Rebellion return with The Second I’m Asleep — their first full-length studio album since 2018. In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Nathan Nicholson and Piers Hewitt join Mark Millar to talk […]

          The Dandy Warhols
          Podcast

          Courtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278

          April 1, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Courtney Taylor-Taylor — frontman, songwriter and creative force behind The Dandy Warhols — to talk about the band’s latest release Pin Ups, […]

  • About Us
  • Contribute
  • Home
  • Author
  • Sandrablemster
  • Page
  • 2

Articles by Sandra Blemster

Xsnoize Author
Sandra Blemster
Sandra mainly writes about indie/rock bands and has written many features, album reviews and interviews for XS Noize.Favourite bands and albums is a long list but to name a few Horslips, REM, Love, The Doors, Let It Bee – Voice of the Beehive, Velvet Underground and Nico album. (Ozric Tentacles live), October Drift. Sandra likes yoga, reading a good book, watching films, Netflix and drinking wine.
Website LinkedIn
ALBUM REVIEW: Doves - The Universal Want
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Doves – The Universal Want

September 6, 2020 Sandra Blemster

Manchester trio Doves return with their fifth studio album, The Universal Want, released on September 11, 2020. Comprising Jimi Goodwin (vocals, bass, guitar), Jez Williams (guitar, vocals), and Andy Williams (drums, vocals), with unofficial fourth […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Proud Mary - Songs From Catalina
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Proud Mary – Songs From Catalina

June 23, 2020 Sandra Blemster

Manchester band Proud Mary are back after a seven-year break with their new album Songs From Catalina, out 26th June. Proud Mary comprises Greg Griffin (vocals), Paul ‘Spot’ Newsome (guitars, bass, keys, drums, harmonica and […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Hightown Pirates - All of the Above
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Hightown Pirates – All of the Above

April 28, 2020 Sandra Blemster

The Hightown Pirates was formed by Simon Mason. He penned the critically acclaimed rock n roll memoir Too High Too Far Too Soon: Tales from a Dubious Past in 2013. Back in the 90s, Mason […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Slow Readers Club - The Joy Of The Return
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Slow Readers Club – The Joy Of The Return

March 16, 2020 Sandra Blemster

Manchester’s The Slow Readers Club are back with a fourth album, The Joy Of The Return, out on March 20th via Modern Sky UK. It’s recorded at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool and produced by […]

INTERVIEW: From the Altar to the Mainstage - A Chat with OCTOBER DRIFT 3
Interviews

INTERVIEW: From the Altar to the Mainstage – A Chat with OCTOBER DRIFT

February 16, 2020 Sandra Blemster

October Drift don’t take shortcuts. With their own personal style of intense guitar-driven, emotionally charged music the Taunton, Somerset quartet of Kiran Roy, Chris Holmes, Alex Bispham and Daniel Young have toured around the country […]

BRIX & THE EXTRICATED release their new album 'Super Blood Wolf Moon' on 25th October
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Brix & The Extricated – Super Blood Wolf Moon

October 21, 2019 Sandra Blemster

Brix & The Extricated are back to release their third studio album Super Blood Wolf Moon on 25th October nearly a year on from their last one Breaking State, which saw them move on from […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Temples - Hot Motion
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Temples – Hot Motion

September 24, 2019 Sandra Blemster

Temples return with their third album Hot Motion on ATO Records, their first on this label. First appearing on the music scene back in 2012 with the single ‘Shelter Song’ they have brought their own […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Black Futures - Never Not Nothing
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Black Futures – Never Not Nothing

September 6, 2019 Sandra Blemster

It’s hard to believe that Black Futures is just two people with the trippy names of Space and Vibes. They released their first single in September 2017 Karma Ya Dig? a slice of industrial space-age […]

TRACK OF THE DAY: Cold Water Swimmers –  Burn Your Idols
Track Of The Day

TRACK OF THE DAY: Cold Water Swimmers – Burn Your Idols

June 21, 2019 Sandra Blemster

Hot off the heels of their previous single in March the delicious Summer Breeze, Cold Water Swimmers release their new single Burn Your Idols on June 21st 2019.  It was recorded with long-time collaborator Simon […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Richard Hawley – Further
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Richard Hawley – Further

June 3, 2019 Sandra Blemster

2019 is quite a year for Richard Hawley. As well as releasing his eighth studio album Further, a musical has been released based on his songs. Standing At the Sky’s Edge premiered at his hometown, […]

FEATURE: You Are Not Alone Festival (YANA) this Saturday March 30th, Manchester 2
Features

FEATURE: You Are Not Alone Festival (YANA) this Saturday March 30th, Manchester

March 27, 2019 Sandra Blemster

This coming Saturday, March 30th Manchester plays host to a multi-venue event in aid of Manchester Mind (the not-for-profit based charity for Mental Health). All profits go straight back to Manchester Mind. The festival will […]

REVIEW: Cold Water Swimmers Double A-Side 'Summer Breeze' / 'I’ll Be Your Witness' - Listen Now
Track Of The Day

REVIEW: Cold Water Swimmers Double A-Side ‘Summer Breeze’ / ‘I’ll Be Your Witness’ – Listen Now

March 18, 2019 Sandra Blemster

The Cold Water Swimmers played their debut gig in May 2018 in Manchester’s Northern Quarter area which I attended. At the time I was struck by how raw and direct they came across. Fronted by […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Brian Jonestown Massacre - The Brian Jonestown Massacre
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Brian Jonestown Massacre – The Brian Jonestown Massacre

March 10, 2019 Sandra Blemster

Ever since the 1990s, The Brian Jonestown Massacre have released an inexhaustible discography with their psychedelic 60s soaked music. They are the brainchild of Anton Newcombe and found certain notoriety in the 2004 documentary DIG! […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Ten Fé - ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Ten Fé – ‘Future Perfect, Present Tense’

March 3, 2019 Sandra Blemster

Two years on from the release of their critically acclaimed debut album Hit the Light, Ten Fe are back with their follow-up. Future Perfect, Present Tense, is due out March 8th on Some Kinda Love/PIAS […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Telekinesis - Effluxion
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Telekinesis – Effluxion

February 15, 2019 Sandra Blemster

According to the Oxford English Dictionary Effluxion means the action of flowing out. And when Michael Benjamin Lerner aka Telekinesis first heard the word he said: “I looked it up and it felt really indicative […]

TRACK OF THE DAY: Catfish and the Bottlemen - 'Longshot' - Listen Now
Track Of The Day

TRACK OF THE DAY: Catfish and the Bottlemen – ‘Longshot’ – Listen Now

January 9, 2019 Sandra Blemster

Catfish and the Bottlemen are back with their latest single Longshot. The single is released Tuesday 8th January 2019 ahead of their third album due out in the Spring. It’s been quite a ride for […]

THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT Rockarchive Exhibition now at Manchester Central Library
Features

THERE IS A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT Rockarchive Exhibition now at Manchester Central Library

January 3, 2019 Sandra Blemster

There Is A Light That Never Goes Out is a free exhibition running at Manchester Central Library celebrating the famous history of Manchester’s music scene. Curated by photographer Jill Furmanovsky the founder of Rockarchive.com and […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers - This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours, 20th Year Collector’s Edition
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers – This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours (20th Anniversary Edition)

December 5, 2018 Sandra Blemster

On December 7th 2018, the Manic Street Preachers release a 20th Year Collector’s Edition of their fifth album, This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours. The title comes from a part of a speech by […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Brix & the Extricated - Breaking State
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Brix & the Extricated – Breaking State

November 11, 2018 Sandra Blemster

Breaking State is the follow-up album to last year’s highly awaited debut album Part 2 from Brix and the Extricated, released by Grit Over Glamour. The cover art features an iconic animation designed by Rufus […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Mole - Danger Island
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Mole – Danger Island

October 19, 2018 Sandra Blemster

Danger Island is the debut solo album from singer-songwriter MOLE. A double album of 21 tracks, that has taken more than five years to make. MOLE is the solo project of Californian-born singer, songwriter and […]

Posts pagination

« 1 2 3 … 6 »

LATEST PODCASTS

  • Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
    Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
    April 14, 2026
  • The Boxer Rebellion
    The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279
    April 7, 2026
  • The Dandy Warhols
    Courtney Taylor-Taylor on Pin Ups, Dig! and taking back The Dandy Warhols narrative | XS Noize Podcast #278
    April 1, 2026
  • Scouting For Girls
    Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride on ‘These Are The Good Days’ and finding joy in the present | XS Noize Podcast #277
    March 24, 2026
  • The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on Grief, Mental Health & ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
    The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
    March 17, 2026
  • Damon Minchella | XS Noize Podcast #275
    Damon Minchella on Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller and ‘You’d Look Good on a Donkey’ | XS Noize Podcast #275
    March 11, 2026

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2026

Trending Articles

  • Hana GiraldoINTERVIEW: Hana Giraldo Talks ‘Reputation’, Artistic Influences & Social Media September 20, 2024
  • Imagine Dragons11 of Imagine Dragons’ biggest selling hits April 10, 2025
  • Freya RidingsFreya Ridings announces 2026 UK and EU tour with Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Kilkenny dates April 13, 2026
  • Bad Bunny6 of Bad Bunny’s biggest selling hits August 5, 2025
  • YungbludFive of Yungblud’s biggest hits August 24, 2025
  • Global superstar ADELE returns with the release of her brand new single and video 'Easy On Me' 17 of Adele’s most successful hits August 11, 2024
  • Billie Eilish12 interesting facts about Billie Eilish January 11, 2025
  • Bad BunnyBad Bunny’s 2026 World Tour: Dates, venues, tickets, and more July 25, 2025
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Julia Wolf – PressureALBUM REVIEW: Julia Wolf – Pressure May 21, 2025
  • Jack WhiteJack White announces 2026 UK & Ireland tour with Belfast Telegraph Building date April 9, 2026

  • facebook
  • twitter
  • Youtube
  • instagram
  • Spotify
  • Terms Of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Sitemap

Copyright © 2024 | XS Noize. Website by Skyhaven Media