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

IN FOCUS// The Darkness at Rock City, Nottingham

December 16, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

The Darkness visited Nottingham as a part of the 20th Anniversary of their Permission to Land tour. The gig was completely sold out, and Rock City was fully packed. The second they came on stage, […]

IN FOCUS// Lankum at the Roundhouse, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Lankum at the Roundhouse, London

December 15, 2023 Denise Esposito

The Irish folk band Lankum performed a sold-out show at the Roundhouse London on Wednesday, 13th December 2023. The multi-instrumentalist Dublin quartet enchanted the crowd with an emotive live performance of timeless and haunting beauty. […]

IN FOCUS// Lorna Shore (with Distant, Ingested and Rivers of Nihil) at O2 Academy, Leeds Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Lorna Shore (with Distant, Ingested and Rivers of Nihil) at O2 Academy, Leeds

December 4, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

On the 29th of November, Leeds was visited by four heavy bands: energetic deathcore band Distant from the Netherlands, ferocious slammers Ingested from Manchester, UK, Pennsylvanian death metal giants Rivers of Nihil and deathcore geniuses […]

IN FOCUS// The Sisters of Mercy at Rock City, Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Sisters of Mercy at Rock City, Nottingham

November 22, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

One of the most mysterious bands from the 80s with a huge underground following, The Sisters of Mercy, visited Nottingham on Sunday, November 19th, as a part of their Autumn 2023 tour. Andrew Eldritch, Ben […]

Gareth Dunlop at Ulster Hall, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Gareth Dunlop at Ulster Hall, Belfast

November 15, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Far From Saints were at The Ulster Hall, Belfast, as part of their extensive UK and Ireland tour with support from Belfast’s synth-pop artist, Gareth Dunlop, who played a fantastic set. Bernie McAllister was there […]

IN FOCUS// Death Cult at Rock City, Nottingham
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Death Cult at Rock City, Nottingham

November 15, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

Ian Astbury and Death Cult came to Nottingham for their 8323 tour. The 40th-anniversary celebration tour gathered the life-long fans of the band and those who love The Cult. The post-punk legends were welcomed with […]

IN FOCUS// Nothing But Thieves at OVO Arena, Wembley, London Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Nothing But Thieves at OVO Arena, Wembley, London

November 13, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

On the 10th and 11th of November, one of the most exciting indie rock bands from Essex, Nothing But Thieves, had their completely sold-out gigs at the OVO Wembley Arena. The two support bands on […]

IN FOCUS// Europe at The London Palladium Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Europe at The London Palladium

October 30, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

This year, Swedish rock band Europe celebrate their 40th anniversary. As a part of the celebration, the band brought their special 2-act long show to the UK. The gig was filled with the band’s memories, […]

IN FOCUS// Haircut 100 at The Limelight, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Haircut One Hundred at The Limelight, Belfast

October 10, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Fresh from sold-out shows in London and Oxford in May, ’80s new wave pop band Haircut One Hundred kicked off their Haircut 100% Live Tour in Belfast with a brilliant performance at the iconic Limelight, […]

IN FOCUS// New Order at First Direct Arena, Leeds Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// New Order at First Direct Arena, Leeds

October 9, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

One of the biggest post-punk genre legends, New Order, performed at the First Direct Arena in Leeds. The gig was filled with nostalgia, Joy Division and Ian Curtis tributes, and new material. Fun rock band […]

IN FOCUS// Field Day 2023 with Aphex Twin, Bonobo, Arca and others at Victoria Park, London Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Field Day 2023 with Aphex Twin, Bonobo, Arca and others at Victoria Park, London

August 22, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

Victoria Park is a place of yearly festivities and grand summer concerts. On the 19th of August, one of the most creative and mysterious electronic music producers – Aphex Twin – had a hugely awaited […]

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at Custom House Square, Belfast © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// STIFF LITTLE FINGERS at Custom House Square, Belfast

August 21, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Following their SOLD OUT Custom House Square show in 2022, Legendary NI Punks STIFF LITTLE FINGERS returned to Custom House Square for another special night in Belfast on Saturday, 19th August 2023, alongside an all-star line-up […]

IN FOCUS// Mac DeMarco at Hackney Empire, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Mac DeMarco at Hackney Empire, London

July 31, 2023 Denise Esposito

Mac DeMarco and his band performed the album ‘Five Easy Hot Dogs’ in its entirety at Hackney Empire, London, followed by many fan favourites from his catalogue in a new stripped-back arrangement. The Canadian songwriter […]

IN FOCUS// Pulp at the Eventim Apollo, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Pulp at the Eventim Apollo, London

July 31, 2023 Denise Esposito

Pulp returned to London for two sold-out nights at the Eventim Apollo on Friday 28th, and Saturday 29th of July, bringing their brilliant reunion tour to a close.               […]

IN FOCUS// Interpol at Somerset House, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Interpol at Somerset House, London

July 11, 2023 Denise Esposito

Interpol played a sold-out headline show at Somerset House in London on Monday, 10th July, 2023. The band has recently launched ‘Interpolations’: a new collaborative project which sees songs from their seventh album, The Other […]

IN FOCUS// The Prodigy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Prodigy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park

July 1, 2023 Bernie McAllister

The Prodigy played an exceptional outdoor performance at Ormeau Park, Belfast, on Friday, 30th June 2023. Following the band’s incendiary and emotionally charged sellout tour of the UK last July, their first since Keith Flint […]

IN FOCUS// Florence & the Machine at Belsonic, Ormeau Park © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Florence & the Machine at Belsonic, Ormeau Park

June 29, 2023 Bernie McAllister

Florence & the Machine returned to Belfast to play their largest-ever Irish show at Belsonic, Ormeau Park, on Wednesday, June 28th 2023. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.          […]

IN FOCUS// Placebo at O2 Academy Glasgow, Scotland Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Placebo at O2 Academy, Glasgow, Scotland

June 26, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal, aka Placebo, performed in Glasgow at the O2 Academy on the 24th of June. The show was sold out, and the venue was packed with passionate fans. There was an […]

IN FOCUS// The Hives @ The Garage, London Credit: Denise Esposito
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Hives @ The Garage, London

June 18, 2023 Denise Esposito

The Hives made a glorious return to The Garage on 13th June 2023, the same venue where they played their first London show 22 years ago. The Swedish rock’n’roll quintet, led by the charismatic frontman […]

Lorna Shore @ The Academy, Dublin, Ireland Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Lorna Shore @ The Academy, Dublin, Ireland

June 18, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

One of the most exciting deathcore bands today – Lorna Shore – visited Dublin and brought a highly anticipated headlining sold-out show. The venue was filled with metalheads dressed in all black. Support came from […]

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