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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: St. Etienne - 'Home Counties'
Album Reviews

Album Review: St. Etienne – ‘Home Counties’

June 14, 2017 Sandra Blemster

The lovable pop trio are back: Bob Stanley, Pete Wiggs and Sarah Cracknell with here their ninth album. St. Etienne began life in 1990 with Wiggs and Stanley originally just wanting guest singers. But in […]

THE BEATLES Celebrate ‘SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND’ with Special Anniversary Edition Releases
Features

IT WAS 50 YEARS AGO TODAY: THE BEATLES SERGEANT PEPPER AT 50

June 1, 2017 Sandra Blemster

1967 was considered to be the Summer of Love. It was the year of rebellion against the system. Protests broke out against the Vietnam War, and hippies gathered in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco in their droves. […]

Album Review: THE CHARLATANS – 'Different Days'
Album Reviews

Album Review: THE CHARLATANS – ‘Different Days’

May 18, 2017 Sandra Blemster

On the back of 2015’s Modern Nature (critically acclaimed getting into the Top Ten album chart with a lifetime achievement award from Q magazine) comes the Charlatans thirteenth album. Different Days is released on Friday […]

Review: THE MANIC STREET PREACHERS – Send Away the Tigers 10th anniversary edition
Album Reviews

Review: THE MANIC STREET PREACHERS – Send Away the Tigers 10th anniversary edition

May 8, 2017 Sandra Blemster

Welsh band the Manic Street Preachers are re-issuing their 2007 album Send Away The Tigers as a 10th anniversary album offering 2cd and a DVD bookset. The band stated Send Away The Tigers was a […]

Album Review: WIRE – SILVER/LEAD
Album Reviews

Album Review: WIRE – SILVER/LEAD

April 4, 2017 Sandra Blemster

Wire, (formed in London in October 1976) are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and celebrate with the release of their new album Silver/Lead which has just been released on the band’s Pinkflag label. The […]

Album Review: Goldfrapp – Silver Eye
Album Reviews

Album Review: Goldfrapp – Silver Eye

March 27, 2017 Sandra Blemster

The enigmatic and creative Goldfrapp will release their seventh studio album Silver Eye this week on March 31st on Mute records. This is the follow-up to their 2013 Tales of Us. They have pooled together […]

Review: THE G-O-D - GRAFTERS OV DENTON – EP
Album Reviews

Review: THE G-O-D – GRAFTERS OV DENTON – EP

March 20, 2017 Sandra Blemster

Drummer Si Wolstencroft hardly needs an introduction. Famous on the Manchester scene for turning down the Smiths back in the early days. He played in The Patrol before they became the Stone Roses and was […]

Album Review: Temples – Volcano
Album Reviews

Album Review: Temples – Volcano

March 7, 2017 Sandra Blemster

Temples were first formed in Kettering, England in 2012 and released their debut album Sun Structures (Heavenly Records) in February 2014 to high praise getting to number seven in the UK and gaining the top […]

Album Review: Hippo Campus – Landmark
Album Reviews

Album Review: Hippo Campus – Landmark

February 27, 2017 Sandra Blemster

Landmark is the debut album from Hippo Campus. Since their formation and the release of two EPs in 2014 & 2015, Bashful Creatures and South respectively they have rapidly risen to become an unquestionable breakthrough […]

Album Review: Miss Ohio – White Hot (The Best Of)
Album Reviews

Album Review: Miss Ohio – White Hot (The Best Of)

February 20, 2017 Sandra Blemster

It’s hard to find out too much information on Miss Ohio as they keep and have kept a very low profile for the last 15 years of playing live! They consist of David Wilson on […]

Album Review: BLACKFIELD - V
Album Reviews

Album Review: BLACKFIELD – V

February 3, 2017 Sandra Blemster

Blackfield is a collaboration between English musician, Steven Wilson and founder of rock band Porcupine Tree, and Israeli rock singer Aviv Geffen. Geffen, a follower of Porcupine Tree he invited the band in the year […]

Track of the Day: TEN FÉ - "Overflow"
Album Reviews

Album Review: TEN FÉ – ‘Hit The Light’

January 18, 2017 Sandra Blemster

London act Ten Fé consists of Ben Moorhouse and Leo Duncan. Their debut album Hit the Light is due out 3rd February 2017 and follows on from several singles that were released including Make Me […]

Track of the Day: The Slow Show - ‘Ordinary Lives’
Album Reviews

Album Review: The Slow Show – Dream Darling

December 12, 2016 Sandra Blemster

Manchester’s the Slow Show consists of Rob Goodwin (vocals, guitar), Frederik ‘t Kindt (keyboards), Joel Byrne-McCullough (lead guitar), Chris Hough (drums) and James Longden (bass). They began their incarnation when keyboardist and producer Kindt helped […]

Live Review: Lush – November 25th Manchester Academy 2016
Live Reviews

Live Review: Lush – November 25th Manchester Academy 2016

November 27, 2016 Sandra Blemster

It couldn’t have been more fitting. The first song I ever heard by Lush was the brilliant hypnotic Deluxe and this was the first track played at Friday’s Manchester gig; the ultimate one they would ever play […]

Album Review: BLACK GRAPE - ‘It’s Great When You’re Straight….Yeah’, Deluxe Edition
Album Reviews

Album Review: BLACK GRAPE – ‘It’s Great When You’re Straight….Yeah’, Deluxe Edition

November 21, 2016 Sandra Blemster

It’s pretty hard to believe it’s been 21 years since Black Grape released their debut album It’s Great When You’re Straight….Yeah! Formed by Shaun Ryder and Bez on the back of their success in the […]

CLASSIC ALBUM: THE VELVET UNDERGROUND AND NICO: 50 YEARS ON
Classic Albums

CLASSIC ALBUM: THE VELVET UNDERGROUND AND NICO: 50 YEARS ON

November 10, 2016 Sandra Blemster

It’s been 50 years since the ground-breaking album The Velvet Underground & Nico was created from the heart of the New York music scene. It charted unfamiliar territory with its avant-garde, experimental sounds. Comprising of […]

Feature: MUSICIANS AGAINST HOMELESSNESS CAMPAIGN
Features

Feature: MUSICIANS AGAINST HOMELESSNESS CAMPAIGN

September 23, 2016 Sandra Blemster

The nationwide campaign Musicians Against Homelessness is the brain child of Cambridgeshire based PR woman Emma Rule and is being backed by former Creation records boss Alan McGee. The aim of which is to raise funds […]

XS Noize Podcast: #14: Larry Love talks 20 years of The Alabama 3 2
Album Reviews

Album Review: Alabama 3 – Blues

September 22, 2016 Sandra Blemster

Formed by a Welsh man Rob Spragg AKA Larry Love (who really was the son of a preacher man) and a Scotsman, Jake Black AKA The Very Reverend Dr. D. Wayne Love in Brixton, London […]

Dodgy announce new album + UK tour dates
Album Reviews

Album Review: Dodgy – ‘What Are We Fighting For’

August 31, 2016 Sandra Blemster

If you’re old enough you may remember Dodgy in the 90s with their happy, summery hits such as Staying Out For The Summer, (I’ll never forget the video with them in a flying VW campervan) […]

Album Review: Beyond the Wizards' Sleeve - The Soft Bounce
Album Reviews

Album Review: Beyond the Wizards’ Sleeve – The Soft Bounce

August 10, 2016 Sandra Blemster

Beyond the Wizard’s Sleeve is a duo comprising London-based DJ Erol Alkan and Richard Norris, record producer musician and engineer. They certainly have an impressive back catalogue. Alkan started DJing in 90s indie London nightclubs and […]

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