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  • AVA Belfast reveals full 2026 festival programme including afterparties, talks, workshops and more
  • THE SCRIPT announce new album ‘The User’s Guide To Being Human’ and huge UK & European arena headline tour
  • ALBUM REVIEW: The Coral – 388
  • Dexys Midnight Runners announce new album ‘LOVE’ following Heavenly Recordings signing
  • The Coral Surprise-Release Thirteenth Album ‘388’ and Share Video for “Let The Music Play”
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • kneecap
          News

          AVA Belfast reveals full 2026 festival programme including afterparties, talks, workshops and more

          May 22, 2026

          AVA Belfast returns to Titanic Slipways on 29–30 May 2026, as the city prepares for what promises to be its biggest music weekend of the year. Hailed as “Techno Christmas,” or “Belfast Coachella” AVA is […]

          The Script
          News

          THE SCRIPT announce new album ‘The User’s Guide To Being Human’ and huge UK & European arena headline tour

          May 22, 2026

          The Script’s phenomenal and long-lasting success has seen them achieve six UK #1 albums and eight back home in Ireland, in the process exceeding 14 billion streams, 5 million album sales, and countless international Platinum […]

          Dexys Midnight Runners
          News

          Dexys Midnight Runners announce new album ‘LOVE’ following Heavenly Recordings signing

          May 21, 2026

          Having recently announced their signing to Heavenly Recordings, Dexys Midnight Runners have today announced details of their new album, LOVE, out on Friday 4th September 2026. LOVE is a deeply personal and emotionally rich album […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          The Coral
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Coral – 388

          May 21, 2026

          The Coral have always thrived on instinct, but even by their standards, 388 feels like a beautifully unexpected detour. Arriving without teaser singles or algorithm-chasing fanfare, the Hoylake psych-pop veterans have delivered one of the […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ed O’Brien - Blue Morpho
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ed O’Brien – Blue Morpho

          May 20, 2026

          There has been a flurry of solo activity from the members of Radiohead in the ten years since A Moon Shaped Pool was released. In that same decade, the world has faced its share of […]

        • 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: Kiefer Sutherland proves his country credentials with a heartfelt Union Chapel performance
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Kiefer Sutherland proves his country credentials with a heartfelt Union Chapel performance

          May 14, 2026

          Kiefer Sutherland may be known across the world as an actor and producer, but on stage at Union Chapel, that part of his life felt almost beside the point. With his fourth album, Grey, due […]

          LIVE REVIEW: The Prodigy Bring Fire, Chaos and Emotion to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: The Prodigy Bring Fire, Chaos and Emotion to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena

          May 7, 2026

          After more than 30 years, The Prodigy remain one of the most powerful live electronic acts on the planet — and their sold-out show at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena proved exactly why. The night began with […]

        • 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
        • Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
          Podcast

          Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285

          May 19, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot. Nerina joins Mark for a warm, honest and reflective conversation about her new career-spanning […]

          Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
          Podcast

          Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us

          May 12, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin of Broken Social Scene. Kevin and Charles join Mark for a warm, reflective and deeply human […]

          da Googie
          Podcast

          Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie and bringing immersive sound to Belfast | XS Noize Podcast #283

          May 5, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Deb Googe and Cara Tivey for a thoughtful and exploratory conversation about their debut full-length album together, The Golden Thread. You […]

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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

  • Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    May 19, 2026
  • Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
    Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us
    May 12, 2026
  • da Googie
    Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie and bringing immersive sound to Belfast | XS Noize Podcast #283
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    Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
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    Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
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    Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
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