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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Peaky Blinders
          News

          ‘Puppet’ by Grian Chatten Leads Official Soundtrack for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

          February 19, 2026

          Today, RCA Records UK have announced the official soundtrack to Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the highly anticipated feature film from series creator Steven Knight, will be released on March 6th. Alongside the announcement, the first official single ‘Puppet’ by […]

          Foo Fighters
          News

          Foo Fighters return with “Your Favorite Toy” the title track and first taste of their forthcoming 12th studio album

          February 19, 2026

          Try not to choke on the glitter… “Your Favorite Toy,” the titular first single of Foo Fighters’ forthcoming 12th full-length studio album, has been released. The first new FF music of 2026, “Your Favorite Toy” […]

          U2
          News

          U2 Return with ‘Days Of Ash’, a Brand New Standalone EP

          February 18, 2026

          On this Ash Wednesday (the day after carnival) – Island Records today announces the release of ‘U2 – Days Of Ash’, a brand new standalone 6-track EP from U2.  In advance of a new album in late 2026, […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Nothing - A Short History Of Decay
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Nothing – A Short History Of Decay

          February 20, 2026

          Philadelphia shoegaze standard-bearers Nothing return in 2026 with A Short History Of Decay, a record that feels less like a reinvention and more like a reaffirmation of everything they’ve quietly perfected over the past decade […]

          Paul Draper
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Paul Draper – Mansun Retold

          February 20, 2026

          Three decades have passed since Mansun first injected a dose of grand, prog-inflected eccentricity into the waning days of Britpop. In 2026, ex-frontman Paul Draper returns with Mansun Retold, a project that resists the easy […]

        • 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: 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 […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Johannes Eckerström Commands Rock City as Avatar Unleash Theatrical Mayhem Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Johannes Eckerström Commands Rock City as Avatar Unleash Theatrical Mayhem

          February 21, 2026

          Swedish heavy metal visionaries Avatar transformed Nottingham’s Rock City into a dark theatrical spectacle on February 17th — delivering one of the most visually captivating and musically explosive shows the venue has seen in recent […]

        • 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
        • 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 […]

          :Panic :Over
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: :Panic :Over Are Turning Northern Irish Indie Into a Global Sound

          October 16, 2025

          Neal McClelland meets the Northern Irish band whose anthemic sound is turning heads from Belfast to Tokyo. There’s something electric about catching a band right before liftoff — that mix of confidence, humour, and disbelief […]

  • Podcast
        • Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271
          Podcast

          Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271

          February 17, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to revisit Howl — the band’s third album and a bold creative left turn […]

          Mark Shaw - Then Jerico | XS Noize Podcast #270
          Podcast

          Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270

          February 10, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Mark Shaw of Then Jerico to talk about The Return — a moment that reconnects legacy, live energy, and purpose as the […]

          Desertflowerboots_H - photo credit Sandrita Cardenas 1
          Podcast

          Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on creativity, chaos, and Wormslayer | XS Noize Podcast #269

          February 8, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Kula Shaker frontman Crispian Mills to talk about Wormslayer — a record that captures the band feeling revitalised, confident, and creatively fearless. […]

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Articles by Stuart Evans

Xsnoize Author
Stuart Evans
North London born but now living in Norfolk; I have a true passion for music. Favourite artists would have to include Manchester Orchestra, Idlewild, Gang Of Youths, Phoebe Bridgers, Sharon Van Etten and Just Mustard. I enjoy a craft beer and support Tottenham Hotspur for my sins.
Website
Idlewild
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’

October 3, 2025 Stuart Evans

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 […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Soccer Mommy – Evergreen
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Soccer Mommy – Evergreen

October 24, 2024 Stuart Evans

On this, her fourth album, Sophie Allison, aka Soccer Mommy, writes candidly and beautifully about life and everything woven into it. Evergreen is a tender, gentle record that wonderfully relates to Allison’s earliest work. Allison’s […]

Bottlemoth
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bottlemoth – Even Us Ghosts 

October 18, 2024 Stuart Evans

Bristol-based Bottlemoth shimmer and shine on their glorious debut album, Even Us Ghosts. Having changed their name from Bridges to Bottlemoth after a band member left, their socials were hacked and tagged in photos of Bridges […]

China Bears – Participation Trophy
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: China Bears – Participation Trophy

July 10, 2024 Stuart Evans

Patience is a virtue. This saying holds true for the delicate and delightful work of China Bears. Originally formed in Somerset by twin brothers Ivan (vocals, guitar) and Frazer (lead guitar), the China Bears lineup […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Bodega – Our Brand Could Be Yr Life
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bodega – Our Brand Could Be Yr Life

April 11, 2024 Stuart Evans

The third album from the American punk cultural commentators sees the band go back to the beginning to move steadily forward. Eight years ago, a band known as Bodega Bay created a double album, thirty-three […]

Virgins
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Virgins – Nothing Hurt And Everything Was Beautiful

April 10, 2024 Stuart Evans

Having emerged as one of Ireland’s finest talents in recent years, the Belfast shoegaze quintet Virgins release their debut album. This record sounds fresh and invigorating, nodding to the past with the brightest of futures. […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Ride – Interplay
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Ride – Interplay

March 27, 2024 Stuart Evans

The third album of the second era from OX4 shoegaze legends Ride is their most inventive and creative work to date. One of the finest things about music, specifically genres, is how a theme can […]

Elbow
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Elbow – AUDIO VERTIGO 

March 20, 2024 Stuart Evans

Ten albums into their career, Elbow continue to stretch genres and create new musical landscapes for the fans to feast on. How does a band that has been recording for over two decades continue to […]

Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood 
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Waxahatchee – Tigers Blood 

March 19, 2024 Stuart Evans

Kate Crutchfield unleashes her inner Americana on an album full of Country-Alt joy and beautiful musicianship. Before setting sail on her solo career, she joined forces with her twin sister, Allison. They formed P.S. Eliot, […]

Liam Gallagher and John Squire
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Liam Gallagher and John Squire

February 22, 2024 Stuart Evans

Manchester Titans Liam Gallagher and John Squire join forces to create a kaleidoscope of noise with no confusion. Some might say that this was inevitable, this generation’s greatest guitarist teaming up with the most recognised […]

The Snuts – Millennials  
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Snuts – Millennials  

February 20, 2024 Stuart Evans

The third album from West Lothian’s finest is an electro-pop joy driven by the need to go back to the beginning and go it alone. Having left Parlophone Records to set up Happy Artists Records, […]

Love Is The Call
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Cast – Love Is The Call  

February 14, 2024 Stuart Evans

On this, their seventh album, Cast finds the missing link between John Power’s time with legendary outfit The La’s and their seminal breakthrough album All Change. To be a significant force in one influential band […]

Yellowcard + Hammock - A Hopeful Sign
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Yellowcard + Hammock – A Hopeful Sign

February 8, 2024 Stuart Evans

Yellowcard leaves their pop-punk sound on the floor and taps into the world of Nashville’s ambient post-rock duo Hammock to reinvent and reimagine some of their most memorable songs.   Having spent most of 2023 […]

L.S. Dunes
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: L.S. Dunes – Lost Songs: Lines And Shapes

November 9, 2023 Stuart Evans

In 2002, L.S. Dunes vocalist Anthony Green, guitarist Frank Iero, drummer Tucker Rule, bassist Tim Payne and guitarist Travis Stever released their debut album, Past Lives, a post-hardcore, punk, boundary-pushing record which went on to […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Paws - Paws
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Paws – Paws

October 30, 2023 Stuart Evans

After the release of their fourth LP, 2019’s brilliant Your Church On My Bonfire, PAWS slowly slipped out of sight. Following a short tour and the world amidst a global pandemic, the Scottish indie rock […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Taking Back Sunday -152
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Taking Back Sunday – 152

October 24, 2023 Stuart Evans

On this, their thrilling eighth studio album, Taking Back Sunday, dial back the Emo to launch into huge, open rock landscapes. Having made music together as a band for over twenty years and sold millions […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Pip Blom - Bobbie
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Pip Blom – Bobbie

October 16, 2023 Stuart Evans

On this, their third album, Amsterdam’s finest Pip Blom, change direction yet maintain their wonderful and vivacious indie-pop sound. Following Boat (2019) and Welcome Break (2021), their new album Bobbie was crafted on computers and […]

Local Natives - Time Will Wait For No One
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Local Natives – Time Will Wait For No One

July 10, 2023 Stuart Evans

On this, their fifth album, Local Natives, embraces growing older, fatherhood and the passing of time with reverence and belief. Having spent over fourteen years together as a band, the Californian sun-kissed indie rockers focus […]

Esben And The Witch - Hold Sacred
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Esben And The Witch – Hold Sacred

May 15, 2023 Stuart Evans

Formed in Brighton in 2008, Esben And The Witch (their name comes from the Danish fairytale Esben Og Troldheksen) has been releasing dazzling, beautiful music for the past fifteen years. On this new record, their […]

The Album Leaf - Future Falling
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Album Leaf – Future Falling

May 9, 2023 Stuart Evans

Twenty-Five years into The Album Leaf, Jimmy LaValle reveals his darkest work to date. And when I say dark, I mean really, really dark. It is a record of few words (like most Album Leaf […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

  • Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271
    Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271
    February 17, 2026
  • Mark Shaw - Then Jerico | XS Noize Podcast #270
    Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270
    February 10, 2026
  • Desertflowerboots_H - photo credit Sandrita Cardenas 1
    Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on creativity, chaos, and Wormslayer | XS Noize Podcast #269
    February 8, 2026
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    Dani Larkin on Next Of Kin: life, loss, and learning to stay open | XS Noize Podcast #268
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  • Paul Draper
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