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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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Live Reviews

The XS Noize team review the latest live shows from bands/artists on tour.

LIVE REVIEW: The Sword at The Bellwether Credit: Triffin Constantine
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Sword at The Bellwether

September 1, 2025 Triffin Constantine

Texas stoner doom legends The Sword celebrated the 15th anniversary of their sci-fi concept album Warp Riders with a full playthrough Saturday at The Bellwether in Downtown Los Angeles. Lead singer and guitarist JD Cronise […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Maccabees – All Points East
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Maccabees – All Points East

August 26, 2025 Michael Barron

As All Points East drew to its final weekend, so too did the clouds of dust kicked up by Victoria Park’s well-trodden fields—so much so that a weather warning was issued, sending many festivalgoers scrambling […]

LIVE REVIEW: RAYE – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: RAYE – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End

August 25, 2025 Michael Barron

RAYE may have narrowly missed out on the 2023 Mercury Prize for her debut My 21st Century Blues, but her sweep of six BRIT Awards the following year more than confirmed her as one of […]

LIVE REVIEW: Barry Can’t Swim – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Barry Can’t Swim – All Points East, Victoria Park, Mile End

August 25, 2025 Michael Barron

All Points East has always prided itself on curating a forward-thinking electronic bill, and this year was no exception. Chase & Status set Victoria Park alight with their trademark mix of drum ’n’ bass and […]

Chase & Status
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Chase & Status – All Points East, Victoria Park

August 18, 2025 Michael Barron

Dance and electronic music have steadily carved out their place at Victoria Park, and All Points East 2025 proved no exception. Following on from LCD Soundsystem’s 2024 showcase, which paired them with acts like Joy […]

LIVE REVIEW: Ferocious Dog at The Fire Station, Sunderland Credit: Iam Burn
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Ferocious Dog at The Fire Station, Sunderland

August 18, 2025 Iam Burn

The Fire Station in Sunderland has been running a season of outdoor performances called ‘Summer Parties’ throughout August. Think of it as a festival across a month instead of lots of performers in one day. […]

IN FOCUS// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square © Bernie McAllister
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square

August 17, 2025 Bernie McAllister

Putting the Fast in Belfast 7 once again proved why it has become a staple of the city’s summer music calendar. A packed Custom House Square buzzed with anticipation as fans from across generations gathered […]

LIVE REVIEW: Wet Leg Turn Nottingham Into a Sing-Along Frenzy Credit: Alina Salihbekova
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Wet Leg Turn Nottingham Into a Sing-Along Frenzy

August 15, 2025 Alina Salihbekova

Nottingham’s The Level was bursting at the seams on August 11th as Grammy-winning indie-rock darlings Wet Leg brought their Moisturizer tour to town — and they didn’t just play a gig, they turned it into […]

LIVE REVIEW: Mangata Festival 2024: A Two-Day Triumph of Heavy Music Across Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Mangata Festival 2025: A Two-Day Triumph of Heavy Music Across Nottingham

July 17, 2025 Alina Salihbekova

Mangata Festival returned to Nottingham on July 12th, bringing with it a thunderous celebration of heavy music spread across multiple venues in the city. But the festivities began even earlier with Solgata, the official pre-party […]

LIVE REVIEW: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts BST Hyde Park, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts BST Hyde Park, London

July 14, 2025 Michael Barron

The first four headliners of this year’s BST Hyde Park festival were all under thirty, celebrating the energy and optimism of youth. But with Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts joined by Cat Stevens (Yusuf […]

LIVE REVIEW: Stevie Wonder BST Hyde Park, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Stevie Wonder BST Hyde Park, London

July 14, 2025 Michael Barron

Having been awarded every major honour from the Polar Music Prize to the Wolf Prize, Stevie Wonder needs no introduction. Less known, however, is his warm relationship with main support act Ezra Collective. Back in […]

Sabrina Carpenter
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Sabrina Carpenter lights up Hyde Park with a playful, fearless pop spectacle

July 7, 2025 Michael Barron

Sabrina Carpenter’s recent controversies — including the provocative cover art for her upcoming 2025 album Man’s Best Friend — have sparked countless opinion pieces accusing her of being too sexual, attention-seeking, or even superficial. But […]

NoahKahan
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: From 77 to 65,000: Noah Kahan’s Emotional Triumph at Hyde Park

July 7, 2025 Michael Barron

When Noah Kahan first came to the UK in 2017, he played to just 77 people. Fast forward eight years, and he’s standing in front of 65,000 fans at London’s Hyde Park — a mind-blowing […]

John Lydon Brings the Chaos as Public Image Ltd Tear Up Rock City Credit: Alina Salihbekova
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: John Lydon Brings the Chaos as Public Image Ltd Tear Up Rock City

July 4, 2025 Alina Salihbekova

John Lydon — still best known to many as Johnny Rotten — brought his fierce energy and no-filter attitude to Nottingham on June 27th with Public Image Ltd. The Rock City crowd was treated to […]

LIVE REVIEW: Deftones Deliver a Spellbinding, Rain-Soaked Set at The Piece Hall Credit: Alina Salihbekova
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Deftones Deliver a Spellbinding, Rain-Soaked Set at The Piece Hall

July 3, 2025 Alina Salihbekova

On June 24th, Deftones took over The Piece Hall in Halifax, turning a rainy summer night into something truly unforgettable. Even before the band stepped on stage, the atmosphere was electric. You could feel the […]

LIVE REVIEW: Zach Bryan Ignites Hyde Park: A Night of Heartfelt Anthems and Raw Connection
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Zach Bryan Ignites Hyde Park: A Night of Heartfelt Anthems and Raw Connection

June 30, 2025 Michael Barron

Zach Bryan went the extra mile to connect with his British fans at BST Hyde Park, setting the tone from the very start by choosing Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” as his walk-on music. Rather […]

LIVE REVIEW: Live Review: Little Simz Closes Meltdown Festival with a Dazzling, Defiant Orchestral Triumph Credit: Pete Woodhead
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Little Simz Closes Meltdown Festival with a Dazzling, Defiant Orchestral Triumph

June 23, 2025 Michael Barron

Following in the footsteps of legendary Meltdown curators like Nile Rodgers and Chaka Khan, Little Simz—aka Simbi Ajikawo—faced a daunting legacy. But with a lineup that balanced heavyweight names like The Streets and rising stars […]

LIVE REVIEW: Lola Young Shines at Meltdown – A Voice of Her Generation Credit: Pete Woodhead
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Lola Young Shines at Meltdown – A Voice of Her Generation

June 18, 2025 Michael Barron

The 30th edition of Meltdown Festival opened with a bang, headlined by established legends The Streets. But while their set held nostalgic weight, the night truly belonged to a newer, electrifying voice: Lola Young — […]

LIVE REVIEW: Charli XCX’s Lido at Victoria Park – A Brat Manifesto in Motion
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Charli XCX’s Lido at Victoria Park – A Brat Manifesto in Motion

June 17, 2025 Michael Barron

Meltdown set the blueprint for artist-curated festivals 30 years ago. In 2024, Charli XCX took that torch and ran with it—outdoors, no less—bringing her Lido edition to Mile End’s Victoria Park, also home to All […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Streets Kick Off Meltdown 2025 with an Electrifying, Crowd-Commanding Set
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Streets Kick Off Meltdown 2025 with an Electrifying, Crowd-Commanding Set

June 13, 2025 Michael Barron

Now in its 30th edition, Meltdown has long stood as a bastion of artist-led curation — a space where visionary musicians shape their own festivals. With past curators including Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers, this […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

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    Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care’ and Creative Independence | XS Noize Podcast #289
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  • The Hoosiers
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