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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 Weather Station at The Black Box, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Weather Station at The Black Box, Belfast

March 20, 2022 Bernie McAllister

In support of the new album Ignorance and How Is It That I Should Look At The Stars, The Weather Station are currently on a whistle-stop tour of the UK & Ireland as part of […]

IN FOCUS// Kris Barras Band at Rock City, Nottingham 4
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Kris Barras Band at Rock City, Nottingham

March 13, 2022 Alina Salihbekova

Kris Barras Band released their new album “Death Valley Paradise” on the 4th of March 2022. Their tour will continue through the UK during March, and people around the country will have a chance to […]

IN FOCUS// The Florentinas @ Ulster Sports Club, Friday 4th March 5
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Florentinas @ Ulster Sports Club, Friday 4th March

March 7, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Bangor four-piece The Florentinas played a headline Belfast show at the Ulster Sports Club supported by Casual Riots on Friday 4th March 2022. The Show was a fantastic spectacle. Bernie Mc Allister was there to […]

IN FOCUS// Pale Waves at Belfast Limelight 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Pale Waves at Belfast Limelight

March 4, 2022 Bernie McAllister

PALE WAVES played an amazing show at Limelight, Belfast as part of their biggest UK and Irish headline tour. The tour is the band’s first since Covid struck and follows their second album WHO AM […]

IN FOCUS// Soul II Soul at Rock City, Nottingham 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Soul II Soul at Rock City, Nottingham

February 28, 2022 Alina Salihbekova

Two-time Grammy Award winners Soul II Soul are a British music collective formed in 1988. Soul II Soul is currently touring with their most successful album, Club Classics Vol. One, which contains their most well-known […]

IN FOCUS// Knocked Loose @ Leeds Beckett Students' Union 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Knocked Loose @ Leeds Beckett Students’ Union

February 13, 2022 Alina Salihbekova

Knocked Loose is a hardcore punk band from Kentucky, USA. Their latest EP, ‘A Tear in the Fabric of Life’ released last year, has been notably successful among hardcore metal and punk fans. In February […]

IN FOCUS// The Darkness at Rock City, Nottingham, England 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Darkness at Rock City, Nottingham, England

December 15, 2021 Alina Salihbekova

The Darkness is one of the funniest UK bands. Their gigs are known for being fun, positive and filled with high-class rock’n’roll. This year they released their new album named “Motorheart”, filled with rock music […]

IN FOCUS// Enter Shikari at The Engine Shed, Lincoln 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Enter Shikari at The Engine Shed, Lincoln

December 8, 2021 Alina Salihbekova

In December 2021, Enter Shikari kicked off their UK tour, which will continue until the end of the month. The band is known for its energetic performances and unique electronic rock music. One of Enter […]

IN FOCUS// Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum at Ulster Sports Club, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum at Ulster Sports Club, Belfast

December 8, 2021 Bernie McAllister

Princess Goes To The Butterfly Museum, the electronic project of Michael C. Hall, Peter Yanowitz and Matt Katz-Bohen, brought their critically acclaimed 2021 debut album: ‘THANKS FOR COMING’ to the live stage at the Ulster […]

IN FOCUS// Little Simz at Rock City, Nottingham 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Little Simz at Rock City, Nottingham

December 7, 2021 Alina Salihbekova

Little Simz is one of the most prolific UK rappers. Her song “Venom” went viral and is featured in the 2021 movie “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”. Her new album “Sometimes I Might Be Introvert” […]

IN FOCUS// We Are Scientists at Limelight, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// We Are Scientists at Limelight, Belfast

December 2, 2021 Bernie McAllister

US indie hero’s We Are Scientists played an amazing headline Belfast show at Limelight 2 on 30th November 2021. Bernie Mc Allister was there to take these fantastic shots.             […]

IN FOCUS// The Charlatans at The Limelight, Belfast 22 Nov 2022 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Charlatans at The Limelight, Belfast 22 Nov 2022

November 23, 2021 Bernie McAllister

The Charlatans kick-started their delayed 30th-anniversary tour at Belfast’s legendary Limelight venue with support from Aoife Nessa Frances. Frontman Tim Burgess had the ‘always up for it’ Belfast crowd in the palm of his hand […]

IN FOCUS// Bullet For My Valentine live at Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Bullet For My Valentine live at Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

November 4, 2021 Alina Salihbekova

Bullet  For  My Valentine’s self-titled album Bullet For My Valentine is due for release on November 5th. Matt Tuck began writing the album in September 2019 before the Coronavirus pandemic brought things screeching to a halt in early 2020. In […]

IN FOCUS: Dermot Kennedy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park, Belfast 3
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS: Dermot Kennedy at Belsonic, Ormeau Park, Belfast

September 19, 2021 Conor Kinahan

Following his largest ever SOLD OUT Belfast show to date at Belsonic in Ormeau Park, Dermot Kennedy returned last night with support from the incredible Ryan McMullan for the first of two shows at Belsonic […]

IN FOCUS: The Script + Becky Hill @ SSE Arena Belfast 10
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS: The Script + Becky Hill @ SSE Arena Belfast

March 3, 2020 Conor Kinahan

The Script took a sold-out SSE Arena on a visually stunning, sonic experience, with the incredible Becky Hill Supporting, our Photographer Conor Kinahan was there to capture the night. © Conor Kinahan © Conor Kinahan […]

IN FOCUS: Supergrass + Hunkpapa @ Ulster Hall Belfast 6
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS: Supergrass + Hunkpapa @ Ulster Hall Belfast

February 18, 2020 Conor Kinahan

The Legendary Supergrass came to Belfast’s iconic Ulster Hall on Monday night, leaving not a single seat free. Our Photographer Conor Kinahan was there to capture the night, take a look below.       […]

IN FOCUS: Steel Panther @ Ulster Hall, Belfast 4
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS: Steel Panther @ Ulster Hall, Belfast

February 16, 2020 Conor Kinahan

Glam-Metalheads Steel Panther arrived in style to Belfast’s Ulster Hall and didn’t spare an inch of their fabulous, sequin infused 80’s hair metal, our Photographer Conor Kinahan was there to capture the night.     […]

IN FOCUS: Bombay Bicycle Club + Liz Lawrence @ Ulster Hall, Belfast 1
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS: Bombay Bicycle Club + Liz Lawrence @ Ulster Hall, Belfast

February 13, 2020 Conor Kinahan

Bombay Bicycle Club played an amazing show last night at Belfast’s Ulster Hall with support from Liz Lawrence. Conor Kinahan was on hand to take these shots.               Bombay […]

IN FOCUS// David Keenan @ Empire Music Hall, Belfast 5
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// David Keenan @ Empire Music Hall, Belfast

January 14, 2020 Conor Kinahan

After his outstanding support slot at Belsonic 2019, Irish Singer David Keenan made a return visit to Belfast on Saturday night to perform to a packed out Empire Music Hall, Our Photographer Bernie McAllister was […]

IN FOCUS// FOO FIGHTERS @ BELFAST VITAL 2019, Boucher Road Playing Fields, Belfast 10
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// A Photographic Review of 2019

December 29, 2019 Conor Kinahan

It’s the end of a decade so we here at XS Noize wanted to take a look back at 2019 and what made it special photographically. With work curated carefully from our team of photographers, […]

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