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  • Keane Announce 20th Anniversary Reissue Of ‘Under The Iron Sea’
  • Dylan John Thomas Announces Belfast Show At Limelight 1
  • Oh Yeah Music Centre Releases ‘Scratch My Progress Vol. 14’ EP
  • ALBUM REVIEW: MOMO – Tum Tum Tum
  • Belfast TradFest Announces Landmark 2026 Programme Across 40 Venues
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Keane
          News

          Keane Announce 20th Anniversary Reissue Of ‘Under The Iron Sea’

          June 22, 2026

          Keane will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their second album, Under The Iron Sea, with a newly remastered and expanded reissue, released on July 24 via UMR/Island. The release follows the band’s successful 2024 anniversary […]

          Dylan John Thomas
          News

          Dylan John Thomas Announces Belfast Show At Limelight 1

          June 22, 2026

          Dylan John Thomas will play Limelight 1, Belfast, on December 1, 2026. The Scottish singer-songwriter has built his fanbase from the ground up, first sharpening his craft through busking on the streets of Glasgow before […]

          Scratch My Progress
          News

          Oh Yeah Music Centre Releases ‘Scratch My Progress Vol. 14’ EP

          June 20, 2026

          The Oh Yeah Music Centre has released Scratch My Progress Vol. 14, a new EP showcasing music from the four artists selected for the programme’s 2025 cohort. This year’s cohort features Lord Jane, Pinsleep, GUSH […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          MOMO - Tum Tum Tum
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: MOMO – Tum Tum Tum

          June 19, 2026

          London-based Brazilian multi-instrumentalist MOMO returns with Tum Tum Tum, an eight-track collection recorded live in South London. Twenty years and eight albums into his career, the record reflects an artist still in motion, refining his […]

          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 […]

        • 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: Mulatu Astatke Brings Ethio-Jazz Mastery To Meltdown Festival Credit: Pete Woodhead
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Mulatu Astatke Brings Ethio-Jazz Mastery To Meltdown Festival

          June 19, 2026

          It is often said that engineers become inventors because they possess the technical knowledge, discipline and imagination needed to turn ideas into functional realities. Mulatu Astatke’s story makes that connection feel especially apt. Born in […]

          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 […]

        • 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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IN FOCUS

The best shots of the latest gigs from our super snappers.

IN FOCUS// Kaiser Chiefs at Lincoln Castle Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Kaiser Chiefs at Lincoln Castle

July 1, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

One of the most electrifying English indie rock bands, Kaiser Chiefs, delivered an unforgettable performance at Lincoln Castle. The band’s sound and stage presence were phenomenal, captivating the audience from start to finish. Frontman Ricky […]

IN FOCUS// Crosses at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// ††† Crosses at the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London

June 26, 2024 Denise Esposito

††† Crosses, the duo formed by Deftones singer Chino Moreno and multi-instrumentalist Shaun Lopez, are hitting the road for the first time in a decade and currently playing across Europe and the UK with their […]

IN FOCUS// Royal Blood at the O2 Academy Brixton, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Royal Blood at the O2 Academy Brixton, London

June 22, 2024 Denise Esposito

The rock duo Royal Blood (Mike Kerr and Ben Thatcher) celebrated the 10th Anniversary of their self-titled debut album with two special shows at the O2 Academy Brixton in London.           […]

IN FOCUS// Orbital at Rock City, Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Orbital live at Rock City, Nottingham

May 1, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

After captivating audiences at this year’s Coachella festival, the dynamic duo of brothers Phil and Paul Hartnoll, known as Orbital, delivered an electrifying performance in Nottingham on April 28th. The evening was a journey through […]

IN FOCUS// Johnny Marr at Rock City, Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Johnny Marr at Rock City, Nottingham

April 17, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

Johnny Marr, the iconic guitarist and founding member of The Smiths, graced the stage of Rock City in Nottingham on Sunday, April 14th, captivating audiences as part of his electrifying “The Spirit of Power” tour. […]

Pierce the Veil @ Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Pierce the Veil at Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

April 10, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

Pierce the Veil, a renowned pop-punk sensation hailing from San Diego, California, electrified the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on April 5th with an unforgettable performance. Kicking off in dramatic fashion, the band emerged from the […]

IN FOCUS// The Hives at Rock City, Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Hives at Rock City, Nottingham

April 1, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

Swedish rock icons The Hives electrified Rock City on March 29th, igniting the venue with infectious energy. Their dance-worthy tunes, combined with their trademark suits, transformed the atmosphere into a jubilant frenzy. From start to […]

IN FOCUS// The Gaslight Anthem at the Roundhouse, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Gaslight Anthem at the Roundhouse, London

March 26, 2024 Denise Esposito

On Monday, March 25th, 2024, The Gaslight Anthem played the first of three sold-out nights at the Roundhouse in London. The New Jersey group, led by Brian Fallon, is currently touring after the release of […]

IN FOCUS// Pixies at the O2 Forum Kentish Town, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Pixies at the O2 Forum Kentish Town, London

March 20, 2024 Denise Esposito

On March 16, 17, and 18, 2024, the legendary Pixies played three sold-out nights at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London. For the first time, the band performed their 90s albums, Bossanova and Trompe […]

IN FOCUS// Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark at Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark at Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham

March 15, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

Electronic new-wave music pioneers OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) graced the stage of Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall on March 13th. The venue, filled to the brim with attendees spanning generations, eagerly anticipated the band’s […]

Knocked loose at Project House, Leeds Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Knocked Loose at Project House, Leeds

March 11, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

Knocked Loose, the hardcore punk powerhouse from Oldham County, Kentucky, set the stage ablaze with a sold-out performance at the Project House in Leeds on March 9th. Renowned for their chaotic live shows, the band […]

IN FOCUS// Mother Mother at Rock City, Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Mother Mother at Rock City, Nottingham

March 5, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

On March 3rd, the vibrant vibes of Canadian indie sensation Mother Mother electrified Rock City in Nottingham. Riding the waves of recent success, particularly fueled by the viral sensations “Hayloft” and “Verbatim” on TikTok and […]

TesseracT at o2 Ritz, Manchester Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// TesseracT at o2 Ritz, Manchester

February 26, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

TesseracT, the renowned British progressive metal band, delivered an unforgettable performance at the O2 Ritz in Manchester on February 24th. The atmosphere was electrifying, with the audience actively engaged through spirited singing and crowd surfing. […]

IN FOCUS// Rick Astley at Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Rick Astley at Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

February 26, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

Rick Astley’s highly anticipated Are We There Yet? tour commenced with a spectacular performance at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena on February 22nd, leaving an indelible mark as one of the venue’s most captivating shows to date. […]

IN FOCUS// IDLES at Kingston, PRYZM Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// IDLES at Kingston, PRYZM hosted by Banquet Records

February 17, 2024 Denise Esposito

IDLES are back with a new album, TANGK. To celebrate the release of their fifth record, the band played a charismatic out-store show hosted by Banquet Records at PRYZM in Kingston upon Thames on 15th […]

Enter Shikari @ Motorpoint Arena Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Enter Shikari at Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

February 12, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

Enter Shikari, currently one of the most triumphant British rock bands, took centre stage at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena as part of their “A Kiss For The Whole World” tour. The concert unfolded with a spectacle […]

IN FOCUS// Miles Kane at the Electric Ballroom, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Miles Kane at the Electric Ballroom, London

February 12, 2024 Denise Esposito

Miles Kane embarked on a UK headline tour culminating with two nights at the Electric Ballroom in London.                       Following the release of his fifth […]

IN FOCUS// Future Islands at Pryzm, Kingston upon Thames Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Future Islands at Pryzm, Kingston upon Thames

February 1, 2024 Denise Esposito

Future Islands marked the debut of their latest album, ‘People Who Aren’t There Anymore,’ with an exhilarating celebration through two live shows hosted by Banquet Records on January 30, 2024, at PRYZM in Kingston upon […]

Bad_Nerve
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Bad Nerves at Dingwalls, Camden

January 29, 2024 Denise Esposito

Bad Nerves played a sold-out show at Dingwalls in Camden, London, on 27 January 2024. The five-piece ‘Powerpop-RocknRoll’ band set the crowd on fire with their infectious energy and catchy tunes.         […]

IN FOCUS// Depeche Mode @ Utilita Arena, Birmingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Depeche Mode @ Utilita Arena, Birmingham

January 26, 2024 Alina Salihbekova

Depeche Mode delivered an electrifying performance in Birmingham on January 24th, showcasing their musical prowess in a spectacular manner. The current lineup, featuring Dave Gahan, Martin Gore, Peter Gordeno, and Christian Eigner, took the stage […]

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