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  • Open House Festival returns to Bangor with Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane and more
  • Jesse Roper channels indie-Americana spirit on new single ‘Green Eyed Lady’
  • The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279
  • The Strokes announce seventh album ‘Reality Awaits’ and share new single ‘Going Shopping’
  • Why are More Indie Artists are Giving their Music Away for Free?
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Open House Festival
          News

          Open House Festival returns to Bangor with Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane and more

          April 8, 2026

          Lisa Hannigan, The Staves, Deirdre O’Kane, and The Tallest Man on Earth are just four of the acts performing at this year’s Open House Festival in Bangor, County Down. The Festival returns to Bangor for […]

          Jesse Roper
          News

          Jesse Roper channels indie-Americana spirit on new single ‘Green Eyed Lady’

          April 8, 2026

          Jesse Roper is a modern-day troubadour, his indie/Americana defined by his authenticity and an adventurous spirit that will appeal to fans of Leon Bridges, Alabama Shakes and JJ Cale. A master at connecting his personal […]

          The Strokes
          News

          The Strokes announce seventh album ‘Reality Awaits’ and share new single ‘Going Shopping’

          April 7, 2026

          Reality Awaits, the seventh studio album from The Strokes, is set for release on June 26 via Cult Records/RCA Records. The new single “Going Shopping” is out now. Recorded in Costa Rica with producer Rick […]

  • 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
        • 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 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, […]

          Scouting For Girls
          Podcast

          Scouting For Girls’ Roy Stride on ‘These Are The Good Days’ and finding joy in the present | XS Noize Podcast #277

          March 24, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Roy Stride — frontman, songwriter and driving force behind Scouting For Girls — to talk about the band’s uplifting new album These […]

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  • Stu_evans

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 […]

Posts pagination

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LATEST PODCASTS

  • The Boxer Rebellion
    The Boxer Rebellion on ‘The Second I’m Asleep’ and the reset that brought them back | XS Noize Podcast #279
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    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
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    Steve Lillywhite on Producing U2 — From Boy to Achtung Baby & Beyond | XS Noize Podcast #274
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Trending Articles

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