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  • The Black Keys share new track ‘Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire’ from upcoming album Peaches!
  • Muse announce new album ‘The Wow! Signal’ from space and share new single ‘Be With You’
  • Glen Hansard unveils live performance of ‘My Little Ruin’ ahead of new album release
  • The Afghan Whigs return with “House of I,” their first new release since 2022
  • The Wonder Stuff Announce 40th Anniversary UK Tour with Special Guests Inspiral Carpets
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • The Black Keys
          News

          The Black Keys share new track ‘Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire’ from upcoming album Peaches!

          March 20, 2026

          GRAMMY award-winning rock duo The Black Keys return with their new song, ‘Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire’. The new track serves as the latest preview for their upcoming album ‘Peaches!’ set for release on May […]

          muse
          News

          Muse announce new album ‘The Wow! Signal’ from space and share new single ‘Be With You’

          March 19, 2026

          Award-winning rock titans MUSE announce their forthcoming tenth studio album, The WOW! Signal, out June 26 via Warner Records – find the track list below. The announcement was truly out of this world, with MUSElaunching […]

          Glen Hansard
          News

          Glen Hansard unveils live performance of ‘My Little Ruin’ ahead of new album release

          March 19, 2026

          Glen Hansard has today shared the live performance video for ‘My Little Ruin’, the latest track to be taken from his forthcoming album, Don+t Settle – Transmissions East, which is out on Plateau / Secretly […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Prostitute – Attempted Martyr
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Prostitute – Attempted Martyr

          March 11, 2026

          After teasing listeners with a partial release last year, Michigan-based industrial/noise rock outfit Prostitute now formally unveil their debut album Attempted Martyr via Mute Records.  Formed around frontman Moe and drummer Andrew, Prostitute also features […]

          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 […]

        • 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
        • The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on Grief, Mental Health & ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276
          Podcast

          The Twilight Sad – James Graham & Andy MacFarlane on ‘It’s The Long Goodbye’ | XS Noize Podcast #276

          March 17, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with James Graham and Andy MacFarlane — the creative core of The Twilight Sad — to talk about their powerful sixth album It’s […]

          Damon Minchella | XS Noize Podcast #275
          Podcast

          Damon Minchella on Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller and ‘You’d Look Good on a Donkey’ | XS Noize Podcast #275

          March 11, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Damon Minchella — founder of Ocean Colour Scene, longtime bass player for Paul Weller, and collaborator with Richard Ashcroft — to talk […]

          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 […]

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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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THE SLOW READERS CLUB announce 'For All Here To Observe' Acoustic EP
Album Reviews

REVIEW: The Slow Readers Club –  For All Here To Observe EP

September 19, 2018 Sandra Blemster

Manchester indie-electronic favourites The Slow Readers Club have released a new acoustic EP, For All Here To Observe, this month on  September 14th via Modern Sky. The EP features tracks spanning across their entire career including songs, […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Vryll Society – Course of the Satellite
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Vryll Society – Course of the Satellite

July 27, 2018 Sandra Blemster

Liverpool’s The Vryll Society have played the long game. In 2015 they released their debut single Deep Blue Skies on the Deltasonic label (run by the late Alan Wills who discovered the Coral). They have […]

REVIEW: Cold Water Swimmers - 'She’s Falling Apart / Everything We’ve Ever Had (we’ve had to fight for)'
Album Reviews

REVIEW: Cold Water Swimmers – ‘She’s Falling Apart / Everything We’ve Ever Had (we’ve had to fight for)’

July 17, 2018 Sandra Blemster

“You begin to hyperventilate, within seconds your heart begins to race and your blood pressure spikes….” Cold Water Swimmers were formed in Manchester in February 2018 when the winter seemed to have gone on forever. They […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Alarm - Equals
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Alarm – Equals

June 24, 2018 Sandra Blemster

Since their formation in 1981 in the Welsh town of Rhyl the Alarm has sold six million albums and managed to clock up 17 Top Fifty singles in the UK. The original members of Mike […]

TRACK OF THE DAY: Polar States New Single - 'ROADS'
Track Of The Day

TRACK OF THE DAY: Polar States New Single – ‘ROADS’

May 30, 2018 Sandra Blemster

Polar States release their new single Roads alongside their music video this month (24th May). This is their first release with Larry Hibbitt producer for Sundara Karma and Nothing But Thieves. This is another slice […]

PSYCH ICONS: An Exhibition by DUNSTAN DOODLES Foundation Coffee House, Manchester – Thursday 10th May
Features 2

PSYCH ICONS: An Exhibition by DUNSTAN DOODLES Foundation Coffee House, Manchester – Thursday 10th May

May 14, 2018 Sandra Blemster

The first time I came across Dunstan Doodles’ work (aka Dunstan Carter) was last March when I reviewed the Grafters OV Denton EP for XS Noize. The cover featured a picture of a boy with […]

ALBUM REVIEW: MANIC STREET PREACHERS – 'Resistance is Futile'
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Manic Street Preachers, Manchester Arena, Sat April 28th

April 30, 2018 Sandra Blemster

Just before the Manics took to the stage at Manchester’s Arena last Saturday night large neon words were lit up: “The artist must train not only his eye but also his soul” which led to […]

ALBUM REVIEW: The Slow Readers Club – 'Build A Tower'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Slow Readers Club – ‘Build A Tower’

April 26, 2018 Sandra Blemster

Having formed in 2011 Manchester’s The Slow Readers Club could be renamed The Slow Burners Club as their candle has burned brightly but stealthily over the years. With a word-of-mouth reputation and always funding themselves […]

ALBUM REVIEW: MANIC STREET PREACHERS – 'Resistance is Futile'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: MANIC STREET PREACHERS – ‘Resistance is Futile’

April 13, 2018 Sandra Blemster

After over 30 years together the Manics are back with their 13th album Resistance Is Futile. There were some delays and obstacles getting started on the album, but once they did they really put a lot […]

ALBUM REVIEW:  EELS – 'The Deconstruction'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: EELS – ‘The Deconstruction’

April 9, 2018 Sandra Blemster

I’ve always had a soft spot for Eels ever since Susan’s House blasted out from the radio back in 1996. Taken from the wonderfully quirky and plaintive album Beautiful Freak I’ve loved their off-beat, emotionally […]

REVIEW: Polar States - Lost EP
Album Reviews

REVIEW: Polar States – Lost EP

December 8, 2017 Sandra Blemster

POLAR STATES will be releasing Lost, the first of 4 new EP’s on the 8th December. This will be their first release after disappearing offline earlier this year. The band formed in 2015 demoing over […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Cindy Wilson - Change
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Cindy Wilson – Change

December 4, 2017 Sandra Blemster

Cindy Wilson is best known publicly for her work in the New Wave band The B52s whose career has spanned 40 years. She was one of the founding members of the innovative band contributing as […]

ALBUM REVIEW: R.E.M. - Automatic For The People (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: R.E.M. – Automatic For The People (25th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

November 19, 2017 Sandra Blemster

This month R.E.M. reissue Automatic for the People, their landmark album to celebrate its 25thAnniversary. The album will be available in a variety of formats, the most extensive of which is the Deluxe Anniversary Edition, […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant - 'Carry Fire'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Robert Plant – ‘Carry Fire’

October 22, 2017 Sandra Blemster

What can you write about Robert Plant that hasn’t already been said? His career has spanned an impressive almost 50 years beginning life as rock icon in Led Zeppelin. Carry Fire is his 11th solo […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Sugarmen - 'Local Freaks'
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Sugarmen – ‘Local Freaks’

October 16, 2017 Sandra Blemster

As Lou Reed wrote about his native New York, so Sugarmen pay tribute to the city of Liverpool to create a storyboard narrative of their hometown. Liverpool has an impressive back catalogue of bands throughout […]

BRIX & THE EXTRICATED - Share new track "Moonrise Kingdom" - Listen HERE
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Brix & The Extricated – ‘Part 2’

September 21, 2017 Sandra Blemster

American Brix Smith-Start is something of an iconic figure in the world of rock and to women in general. She released a best-selling autobiography in 2016 The Rise, The Fall and the Rise about her […]

PAUL DRAPER - Includes BELFAST in massive new UK tour
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Paul Draper – 15th September 2017, Gorilla, Manchester

September 17, 2017 Sandra Blemster

Ex-lead singer of 90s cult band Mansun, Paul Draper is due on stage. It’s his second gig in fourteen years and the air is charged. Last night it was Leeds, tonight Manchester. The crowd are […]

INTERVIEW: The Verve Guitarist Nick McCabe on the 20th Anniversary of Urban Hymns 2
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Verve – Urban Hymns 20th Anniversary Reissue

September 4, 2017 Sandra Blemster

The Verve have just released a remastered version of one of the definitive albums of 1997, Urban Hymns, and they still sound just as majestic. On hearing that beautifully orchestrated introduction on Bitter Sweet Symphony, […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Super Furry Animals - "Radiator" (20th Anniversary Edition)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Super Furry Animals – “Radiator” (20th Anniversary Edition)

August 7, 2017 Sandra Blemster

God I’m feeling old. There seems to be a spate of albums being reissued lately that I loved 20 years ago. Like Fun Lovin Criminals Come Find Yourself (last year), Radiohead’s OK Computer and now […]

Album Review: HIGHTOWN PIRATES - 'Dry and High' 2
Album Reviews

Album Review: HIGHTOWN PIRATES – ‘Dry and High’

June 19, 2017 Sandra Blemster

The Hightown Pirates’ formed by Simon Mason release their debut album Dry and High this month. The conception began through Mason’s friendship with Mick Head (Pale Fountains and Shack) in Liverpool and also a tour […]

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