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  • INTERVIEW: Big Gigantic & AHEE talk about their new single ‘Oh Dang!’
  • VAN MORRISON releases new single ‘Problems’ from his upcoming album ‘Accentuate The Positive’
  • SNOW PATROL join lineup for BBC INTRODUCING LIVE IN BELFAST
  • JORDAN ADETUNJI unveils the video for his latest single ‘Can’t Lose’
  • WILD YOUTH announce Voodoo, Belfast show in December
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XS Noize | Latest Music News
  • News
        • Van Morrison
          News

          VAN MORRISON releases new single ‘Problems’ from his upcoming album ‘Accentuate The Positive’

          September 26, 2023

          After previewing the November 3rd release of his 45th studio album ‘Accentuate The Positive’ with the single ‘Shakin’ All Over’, Van Morrison today provides another taste of the record with his take on The Everly […]

          Snow Patrol
          News

          SNOW PATROL join lineup for BBC INTRODUCING LIVE IN BELFAST

          September 25, 2023

          Following the celebrated reissue of their breakthrough record Final Straw, Snow Patrol will make a special guest appearance in Belfast this October as the flagship music discovery event BBC Introducing Live, in association with Belfast […]

          Jordan Adetunji
          News

          JORDAN ADETUNJI unveils the video for his latest single ‘Can’t Lose’

          September 25, 2023

          Today, genre-fluid Belfast artist Jordan Adetunji has shared the official video for his latest single, ‘Can’t Lose’. Directed by NWSPK Studio, the eye-catching visuals draw on the track’s themes of attachment with expressive dance moves, […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          Teenage Fanclub - Nothing Lasts Forever
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Teenage Fanclub – Nothing Lasts Forever

          September 20, 2023

          For this, Teenage Fanclub’s eleventh LP, the now quintet, returned to Rockfield Studios in the Welsh countryside, where they recorded Howdy! in the late nineties. Whilst the veterans only have one top twenty hit to […]

          NZCA Lines
          Album Reviews

          EP REVIEW: NZCA LINES – Universal Heartbreak

          September 18, 2023

          On September 22, multi-instrumentalist Michael Lovett, who works under the moniker NZCA Lines, drops his fourth musical outing with the EP Universal Heartbreak. It has been three years since the release of NZCA Line’s critically […]

        • Book Reviews

          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 […]

          Ziggy Marley - Music Is In Everything
          Book Reviews

          BOOK REVIEW: Ziggy Marley – Music Is In Everything

          January 16, 2023

          Back in 2020, Ziggy Marley teamed up with Lisa Loeb to release a catchy and infectious song that will get people of all ages to sing along called “Music Is in everything”. This song which […]

        • 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: Kula Shaker at The 100 Club, London
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Kula Shaker at The 100 Club, London

          September 7, 2023

          Twenty years following the departure of their original organist in 1999, Kula Shaker released their sixth LP, First Congregational Church of Eternal Love and Free Hugs, which can best be described as their most vital […]

          LIVE REVIEW: The Strokes at All Points East Festival, Mile End, London
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: The Strokes at All Points East Festival

          August 29, 2023

          As well as 2023 ending the four-year hiatus since The Strokes headlined All Points East, this festival day saw terrific performances by The Walkmen, Amyl and the Sniffers and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. After taking […]

        • 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// 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

          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

          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 […]

  • Gigs
        • Wild Youth
          Gigs

          WILD YOUTH announce Voodoo, Belfast show in December

          September 25, 2023

          After months of touring across Europe to sold-out crowds plus Huge Eurovision performances, one of Ireland’s biggest bands, Wild Youth, have announced a headline Belfast show in December. As known for their enigmatic stage presence […]

          take that
          Gigs

          TAKE THAT announce massive 2024 live tour & unleash their brand-new single ‘Windows’

          September 22, 2023

          One of the UK’s most successful bands, Take That, have today announced their return with a huge stadium and arena live tour for 2024 alongside news of their ninth studio album, This Life, set for […]

          DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
          Gigs

          DAVE MATTHEWS BAND announces Spring 2024 European/UK headline tour

          September 19, 2023

          Dave Matthews Band will launch its first tour of Europe and the United Kingdom in five years on April 2 at AFAS Live In Amsterdam. The 19-date headline run will take the band to 14 […]

  • Interviews
        • Big Gigantic & AHEE
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Big Gigantic & AHEE talk about their new single ‘Oh Dang!’

          September 26, 2023

          Electronic dance music duo Big Gigantic, Dominic Lalli and Jeremy Salken teamed up with bass music producer AHEE to create a funk-filled, drop-heavy banger of a track, “Oh Dang!” After emerging in 2009, Big Gigantic […]

          Everyday Pharaohs
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Glasgow-based trio Everyday Pharaohs discuss infectious new single ‘Skelmo’

          September 19, 2023

          The Glasgow-based Everyday Pharaohs have been making waves in the music scene for some years now, becoming a regular name gracing the city’s venues. After recently releasing the uplifting and highly infectious ‘Skelmo’, I thought […]

          BoomBox
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: BoomBox talks new single ‘Buenas Noches’ & upcoming album ‘Dangerous Waters’

          September 18, 2023

          Heavyweight electronic-dance-rock duo BoomBox recently released their single, “Buenas Noches,” a track lifted from their upcoming album, Dangerous Waters, slated to drop on November 10. Made up of singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Zion Rock Godchaux […]

  • Podcast
        • Brand New Friend
          Podcast

          INTERVIEW: Grandstand Glory: A Candid Conversation with Taylor and Lauren Johnson of Brand New Friend

          September 21, 2023

          In episode #146 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets Taylor and Lauren Johnson of Brand New Friend to discuss their new album, ‘Grandstand.’ No strangers to Ireland’s buzzing live scene, Brand New Friend […]

          Alex Lowe
          Podcast

          INTERVIEW: Hurricane #1 frontman Alex Lowe on their new album ‘Backstage Waiting to Go On’

          September 20, 2023

          In episode #146 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets Alex Lowe from Hurricane #1 to discuss their latest album ‘Backstage Waiting To Go On.’ With 2 top 20 albums and 7 top 40 […]

          Steven Wilson
          Podcast

          INTERVIEW: Unlocking The Harmony Codex: A Conversation with Steven Wilson

          September 11, 2023

          In episode #145 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar meets Steven Wilson to discuss his seventh album, THE HARMONY CODEX. Steven Wilson is an artist/producer based in North London. His last album, The Future […]

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Book Reviews

The latest Xsnoize book reviews. Get reading!

BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes

August 29, 2023 Michael Barron

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 […]

Ziggy Marley - Music Is In Everything
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Ziggy Marley – Music Is In Everything

January 16, 2023 Michael Barron

Back in 2020, Ziggy Marley teamed up with Lisa Loeb to release a catchy and infectious song that will get people of all ages to sing along called “Music Is in everything”. This song which […]

pop rock icons
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Pop Rock Icons by Philippe Margotin

December 15, 2022 Michael Barron

Judging by the front cover, one might expect Pop Rock Icons to be festooned with infographics. It isn’t. Instead, it’s a collection of photographs depicting “London’s Swingin’ 60s & 70s”. Rather than homogenise and cluster […]

Sound within Sound by Kate Molleson
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Sound within Sound by Kate Molleson

September 24, 2022 Michael Barron

The number of biographies and autobiographies of artists is colossal, but what makes Sound within Sound unique is the largely unknown contributions of the ten twentieth-century artists Kate Molleson has featured. The one thing all […]

BOOK REVIEW: Radiohead: Life in a Glasshouse - John Aizlewood
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Radiohead: Life in a Glasshouse – John Aizlewood

May 18, 2022 Michael Barron

Consistency, work ethic, teamwork, innovation and the ability to evolve musically by defying trends have made Radiohead an international success story. After all, how many bands that found their footing in the early nineties still […]

BOOK REVIEW: Leonard Cohen: On A Wire - Philippe Girard 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Leonard Cohen: On A Wire – Philippe Girard

May 3, 2022 Michael Barron

There are several milestones including being inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame and winning copious awards (including a BRIT) which define the success of an artist. Leonard Cohen not only achieved these, […]

BOOK REVIEW: George Orwell’s 1984 - Adapted by Matyáš Namai 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: George Orwell’s 1984 – Adapted by Matyáš Namai

April 7, 2022 Michael Barron

Whilst it’s been over 70 years since George Orwell (Eric Arthur Blair) died, his legacy appears to be eternal. We are barely in the first quarter of 2022, and Orwell has already been referenced copious […]

BOOK REVIEW: DJANGO, Hand on Fire - The Great Django Reinhardt by Efa & Rubio
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: DJANGO, Hand on Fire – The Great Django Reinhardt by Efa & Rubio

February 6, 2022 Michael Barron

DJANGO, Hand on Fire, kills two birds with one stone by having a separate mini-biography and a graphic novel. Other comic biographies by nbm have had biographies in between the chapters of the graphic novels, […]

BOOK REVIEW: Ballad for Sophie by Filipe Melo and Juan Cavla
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Ballad for Sophie by Filipe Melo and Juan Cavla

January 11, 2022 Michael Barron

The year is 1997, the setting is France in the small French village of Cressy-la-Valoise, and a young lady seeks out an elderly gentleman living in what she describes as a “museum-like mansion”. What does […]

BOOK REVIEW: The Beatles - Get Back 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: The Beatles – Get Back

December 1, 2021 Michael Barron

In January 1969, Michael Lindsay-Hogg and his crew filmed The Beatles whilst they recorded in Twickenham Film Studios, Apple Studios on Saville Row in the West End of London and their live performance on top […]

BOOK REVIEW: Decades: Joy Division + New Order By John Aizlewood
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Decades: Joy Division + New Order By John Aizlewood

October 31, 2021 Michael Barron

The beginning of Decades: Joy Division + New Order started 45 years ago on 4th June 1976. The venue is the Lesser Free Trade Hall, and the bands playing are the Buzzcocks and the Sex […]

BOOK REVIEW: Billie Holiday: The Graphic Novel: Women in Jazz By Ebony Gilbert and David Calcano
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Billie Holiday: The Graphic Novel: Women in Jazz By Ebony Gilbert and David Calcano

August 2, 2021 Michael Barron

In a creative foreword, Keith Knight shows a teacher educating her pupils about Billie Holiday and how her life is an opportunity to value “the contributions of blacks, Jews, women….” Her biggest hit, “Strange Fruit, […]

BOOK REVIEW: Love Me Please: The Story of Janis Joplin  By Nicolas Finet, Christopher and Degreff
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Love Me Please: The Story of Janis Joplin By Nicolas Finet, Christopher and Degreff

July 14, 2021 Michael Barron

Affectionately known as Pearl, this outsider who was bullied and abused for being different was able to rise above the cultural barriers of her hometown and period she lived in to become an international star […]

BOOK REVIEW: TOPP: Promotor Gary Topp Brought Us the World
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: TOPP: Promotor Gary Topp Brought Us the World

July 5, 2021 Michael Barron

You will have almost definitely heard of the artists that Gary Topp first brought to Canada, including The Police and The Ramones. Author David Collier who worked with Gary believes Gary’s cultural impact in opening […]

BOOK REVIEW: Gods, Gangsters & Honor: A rock ‘n’ roll odyssey by Steven Machat
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Gods, Gangsters & Honor: A rock ‘n’ roll odyssey by Steven Machat

June 8, 2021 Randall Radic

Sans any pretentiousness about his profession or any claim to being a choirboy himself, lawyer Steven Machat has written a captivating tell-all of his life in the entertainment industry, entitled Gods, Gangsters & Honor: A […]

BOOK REVIEW: Orwell - by Pierre Christin & Sébastien Verdier
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Orwell – by Pierre Christin & Sébastien Verdier

June 7, 2021 Michael Barron

With this graphic novel being divided into three parts, just like George Orwell’s most resound novel 1984; one may expect that Verdier’s effort may disproportionately focus on 1984 and Orwell’s previous offering Animal Farm; the […]

BOOK REVIEW: Wuvable Oaf: Blood & Metal By Ed Luce
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Wuvable Oaf: Blood & Metal By Ed Luce

May 21, 2021 Michael Barron

Who is Wuvable Oaf? He goes by the name of Goteblud, is extremely hairy and a wrestler. Goteblud is no ordinary wrestler; he dresses up as the devil and uncontrollably shoots blood at his opponents […]

BOOK REVIEW: Zebedee And The Valentines by Abs Bailey
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Zebedee And The Valentines by Abs Bailey

April 27, 2021 Michael Barron

The year is 1982, and the setting is a small suburban town in the South West of England. The specific town name itself was irrelevant, as was the name of the pub this four-piece punk-ish […]

BOOK REVIEW: Bob Dylan - No Direction Home (Revised illustrated edition) By Robert Shelton 1
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Bob Dylan – No Direction Home (Revised illustrated edition) By Robert Shelton

April 9, 2021 Michael Barron

Initially proposed by the author in 1965 and finally released in 1986, an expanded edition followed in 2011 for Dylan’s 70th birthday.  An expanded hardback illustrated edition with 150 images “aimed at a younger audience” […]

BOOK REVIEW: Tenacious D - Post Apocalypto
Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Tenacious D – Post Apocalypto

February 26, 2021 Michael Barron

Festooned with copious cartoon dicks and nudity, where full anatomies are exposed where even the robot has a fully functioning “pussy”,; one would hardly think that Post Apocalypto would contain an Aesop style fable. Nonetheless, […]

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    VAN MORRISON releases new single ‘Problems’ from his upcoming album ‘Accentuate The Positive’
  • oasis
    OASIS release brand-new lyric video for ‘Acquiesce’ as part of the 25th anniversary of ‘The Masterplan’
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