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  • Kingfishr Announce Belsonic Belfast Show And Major Outdoor Dates For 2027
  • Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care’ and Creative Independence | XS Noize Podcast #289
  • EELS Announce New Album ‘Cookie Happened’ And Share ‘Cap In Hand’
  • LIVE REVIEW: Kamasi Washington Brings Spiritual Jazz Majesty To Meltdown Festival
  • Jesus Jones Announce New Album ‘Twilight’ And ‘Doubt’ 35th Anniversary UK Tour
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  • News
        • Kingfishr
          News

          Kingfishr Announce Belsonic Belfast Show And Major Outdoor Dates For 2027

          June 18, 2026

          Kingfishr have announced three major outdoor headline shows for 2027, including a Belfast Belsonic date. The Irish trio will play Belsonic in Belfast on June 11, 2027, before heading to Marlay Park in Dublin on […]

          EELS
          News

          EELS Announce New Album ‘Cookie Happened’ And Share ‘Cap In Hand’

          June 16, 2026

          EELS have announced their 16th studio album, Cookie Happened, set for release on October 16 via E Works / Play It Again Sam. Alongside the announcement, the band have shared the album’s first single, “Cap […]

          Jesus Jones
          News

          Jesus Jones Announce New Album ‘Twilight’ And ‘Doubt’ 35th Anniversary UK Tour

          June 16, 2026

          Jesus Jones have announced their eighth album, Twilight, their first new full-length release in eight years. The band have also shared the album’s first single, “Shot In The Chevy,” which is available to stream now. […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace - Avalanche
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace – Avalanche

          June 10, 2026

          For three decades, West Yorkshire’s finest have been a steadfast pillar of the British music scene. Celebrating their 30-year milestone in 2026, Embrace return with their highly anticipated ninth studio album, Avalanche. It’s a record […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Abrasive Trees – Light Remaining
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Abrasive Trees – Light Remaining

          June 3, 2026

          Death, grief and frazzled nerves conspire on an epic odyssey to the dark side Totnes experimentalists Abrasive Trees have long sailed choppy liminal seas between the living world and whatever lurks beyond it. Their debut […]

        • 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: Kamasi Washington Brings Spiritual Jazz Majesty To Meltdown Festival Credit: Pete Woodhead
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Kamasi Washington Brings Spiritual Jazz Majesty To Meltdown Festival

          June 16, 2026

          It has been a significant year for the Southbank Centre, which recently received a £10 million grant as part of its 75th birthday celebrations. Adding to that sense of occasion, Harry Styles was announced as […]

          The Proclaimers
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: The Proclaimers Bring Heart, Humour And Timeless Anthems To Live At Chelsea

          June 14, 2026

          Before Scottish twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid brought their unmistakable harmonies to Royal Hospital Chelsea with a 24-track set, support came from Edinburgh-born Hamish Hawk. Describing himself as more of a diarist than an […]

        • 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
        • Dea Matrona
          Podcast

          Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care’ and Creative Independence | XS Noize Podcast #289

          June 16, 2026

          Belfast rock duo Dea Matrona join Mark Millar on the XS Noize Podcast to discuss their second album, Hate That I Care — a bold, more personal and self-assured new chapter for Mollie McGinn and […]

          Embrace
          Podcast

          Danny McNamara on Embrace’s New Album ‘Avalanche’ and Why Life Doesn’t Wait | XS Noize Podcast #288

          June 9, 2026

          Danny McNamara joins the XS Noize Podcast to discuss Embrace’s new album Avalanche, 30 years of the band, fatherhood, songwriting, The Good Will Out and why life doesn’t wait. […]

          The Hoosiers
          Podcast

          The Hoosiers on New Album ‘Compassion,’ Toxicity & Finding Joy Again | XS Noize Podcast #287

          June 2, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Irwin Sparkes and Alan Sharland from The Hoosiers. Irwin and Alan join Mark for a warm, funny and reflective conversation about […]

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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.
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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 […]

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