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  • AVA Belfast reveals full 2026 festival programme including afterparties, talks, workshops and more
  • THE SCRIPT announce new album ‘The User’s Guide To Being Human’ and huge UK & European arena headline tour
  • ALBUM REVIEW: The Coral – 388
  • Dexys Midnight Runners announce new album ‘LOVE’ following Heavenly Recordings signing
  • The Coral Surprise-Release Thirteenth Album ‘388’ and Share Video for “Let The Music Play”
XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • kneecap
          News

          AVA Belfast reveals full 2026 festival programme including afterparties, talks, workshops and more

          May 22, 2026

          AVA Belfast returns to Titanic Slipways on 29–30 May 2026, as the city prepares for what promises to be its biggest music weekend of the year. Hailed as “Techno Christmas,” or “Belfast Coachella” AVA is […]

          The Script
          News

          THE SCRIPT announce new album ‘The User’s Guide To Being Human’ and huge UK & European arena headline tour

          May 22, 2026

          The Script’s phenomenal and long-lasting success has seen them achieve six UK #1 albums and eight back home in Ireland, in the process exceeding 14 billion streams, 5 million album sales, and countless international Platinum […]

          Dexys Midnight Runners
          News

          Dexys Midnight Runners announce new album ‘LOVE’ following Heavenly Recordings signing

          May 21, 2026

          Having recently announced their signing to Heavenly Recordings, Dexys Midnight Runners have today announced details of their new album, LOVE, out on Friday 4th September 2026. LOVE is a deeply personal and emotionally rich album […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          The Coral
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Coral – 388

          May 21, 2026

          The Coral have always thrived on instinct, but even by their standards, 388 feels like a beautifully unexpected detour. Arriving without teaser singles or algorithm-chasing fanfare, the Hoylake psych-pop veterans have delivered one of the […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ed O’Brien - Blue Morpho
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ed O’Brien – Blue Morpho

          May 20, 2026

          There has been a flurry of solo activity from the members of Radiohead in the ten years since A Moon Shaped Pool was released. In that same decade, the world has faced its share of […]

        • 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: Kiefer Sutherland proves his country credentials with a heartfelt Union Chapel performance
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Kiefer Sutherland proves his country credentials with a heartfelt Union Chapel performance

          May 14, 2026

          Kiefer Sutherland may be known across the world as an actor and producer, but on stage at Union Chapel, that part of his life felt almost beside the point. With his fourth album, Grey, due […]

          LIVE REVIEW: The Prodigy Bring Fire, Chaos and Emotion to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: The Prodigy Bring Fire, Chaos and Emotion to Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena

          May 7, 2026

          After more than 30 years, The Prodigy remain one of the most powerful live electronic acts on the planet — and their sold-out show at Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena proved exactly why. The night began with […]

        • 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
        • Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
          Podcast

          Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285

          May 19, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by BRIT and Ivor Novello-nominated singer-songwriter Nerina Pallot. Nerina joins Mark for a warm, honest and reflective conversation about her new career-spanning […]

          Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
          Podcast

          Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us

          May 12, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin of Broken Social Scene. Kevin and Charles join Mark for a warm, reflective and deeply human […]

          da Googie
          Podcast

          Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie and bringing immersive sound to Belfast | XS Noize Podcast #283

          May 5, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Deb Googe and Cara Tivey for a thoughtful and exploratory conversation about their debut full-length album together, The Golden Thread. You […]

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Reviews

Get the latest album reviews and music reviews from your favourite global bands and artists. Featuring new Album Reviews, from Rock, Indie, Electronic, Alternative, Pop, and much more. All the best new music!

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 […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Cure at the OVO Wembley Arena
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Cure at the OVO Wembley Arena

December 13, 2022 Clive Harris

In the weeks and months leading up to this gig, I had been thinking how it was a little anachronistic that a band so synonymous with having a black-clad following should be ending their tour […]

IN FOCUS// The Dead Daisies live at the Limelight, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Dead Daisies live at the Limelight, Belfast

December 12, 2022 Marc Leach

Rock supergroup, The Dead Daisies, made their triumphant return to the Limelight 1, Belfast. Founded by Australian guitarist David Lowry, this lineup of the band featured Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio), Brian Tichy (Whitesnake, Billy Idol) […]

LIVE REVIEW: Skinny Lister at Newcastle University
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Skinny Lister at Newcastle University

December 11, 2022 Iam Burn

The temperature had just dropped to -1° Celcius as I arrived at the venue. A brass monkey wandered across the quad, looking for a welding torch. Hoping to find warmth inside, I found the venue […]

Kula Shaker
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kula Shaker at Shepherds Bush Empire, London

December 11, 2022 Michael Barron

With over 25 years of being, Kula Shaker has built live staples guaranteed to enchant and exhilarate fans old and new. As has become a tradition, the four-piece opened with “Hey Dude”, which instantly gained […]

The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: The Flaming Lips – Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

December 8, 2022 Iam Burn

In 2002, The Flaming Lips released their tenth studio album, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots. A band that has consistently evolved throughout their career, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots presented a more electronic direction to their […]

NOFX - Double Album
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: NOFX – Double Album

December 8, 2022 Michael Barron

NOFX, throughout their almost four decades career, has been known for making controversial statements, and the band members have not become more mild-mannered as they enter their fifties. The latest being that the Beatles’ White […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Hu at the Ulster Hall, Belfast
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Hu at the Ulster Hall, Belfast

December 7, 2022 Marc Leach

As the Rumble of Thunder passed over Belfast on a cold December night, the echoing sounds of “HU! HU! HU!” could be heard as the Mongolian horde crossed the Northern Irish mountains. Imagine if this […]

IN FOCUS// Alter Bridge (+ Halestorm, Mammoth WVH) @ Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Alter Bridge with Halestorm & Mammoth WVH live at Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

December 7, 2022 Alina Salihbekova

Vocalist and rhythm guitarist Myles Kennedy, lead guitarist Mark Tremonti, bassist Brian Marshall and drummer Scott Phillips came to Nottingham and blew everyone’s socks off with their powerful performance. The support came from Mammoth WVH […]

Paul Heaton
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott – Globe Theatre, Stockton-on-Tees

December 6, 2022 Iam Burn

Paul Heaton and Jacqui Abbott set a price cap of £30 per ticket for their current tour. They wanted to keep prices as low as possible during a cost-of-living crisis in the UK and railing […]

IN FOCUS// The Coronas live at Ulster Hall, Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Coronas live at Ulster Hall, Belfast

December 6, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Dublin 3 piece The Coronas returned to the iconic Ulster Hall, Belfast, on December 4th to play an amazing show. Bernie McAllister was there to take these fantastic images.             […]

LIVE REVIEW: The Hoosiers at Heaven, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Hoosiers at Heaven, London

December 5, 2022 Michael Barron

In 2007 with several high-charting singles and a debut number-one album, it looked like The Hoosiers had found The Trick to Life. Their sophomore effort, The Illusion of Safety, made it into the top ten, […]

IN FOCUS// The Cure at The SSE Arena Belfast
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Cure at The SSE Arena, Belfast

December 3, 2022 Bernie McAllister

The Cure made their highly anticipated return to Northern Ireland last night with a fantastic show at The SSE Arena, Belfast, where they performed all their hits and fan favourites, including ‘Pictures Of You, ‘Lovesong’, […]

Seal - Seal (Deluxe Edition)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Seal – Seal (Deluxe Edition)

November 30, 2022 Stuart Evans

Let me take you back, dear reader, to 1991. Operation Desert Storm arrived in Kuwait; The Soviet Union began to dissolve the USSR; Grunge was about to take over MTV, the enigmatic Freddie Mercury sadly […]

Carl Cox – Electronic Generations
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Carl Cox – Electronic Generations

November 29, 2022 Neal McClelland

The man that’s pretty much done it all in electronic music, from his humble beginnings in disco to being a creator in the foundations of the global rave scene, Carl Cox has been around every […]

IN FOCUS// James Bay at Rock City, Nottingham
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// James Bay at Rock City, Nottingham

November 28, 2022 Alina Salihbekova

One of the most successful English singers, songwriters and guitarists, James Bay, played a sold-out show at the Rock City on Sunday, 27th of November. By the time James came on stage, the venue was […]

IN FOCUS// Jake Bugg @ Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Jake Bugg @ Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham

November 27, 2022 Alina Salihbekova

Jake Bugg returns to his hometown to celebrate ten years of his award-winning debut album. The show was split into three parts. The first part consisted of Jake playing and singing solo with his guitar […]

David Bowie – Divine Symmetry
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: David Bowie – Divine Symmetry

November 24, 2022 Alex Hoggard

The year 1971 proved defining for David Bowie; having become a father for the first time, he signed a record deal with RCA before going on to meet Andy Warhol, Iggy Pop and Lou Reed […]

IN FOCUS// Fontaines D.C. at Rock City, Nottingham
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Fontaines D.C. at Rock City, Nottingham

November 24, 2022 Alina Salihbekova

On the 22nd of November, the Irish post-punk band Fontaines D.C. shook the floor of Rock City with their signature modern rock sound and powerful lyrics. The band has been praised by countless critics, received […]

Voice Of The Beehive - ‘LET IT BEE’ 35th Anniversary Edition
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Voice Of The Beehive – ‘LET IT BEE’ 35th Anniversary Edition

November 22, 2022 Sandra Blemster

Ah, Voice of the Beehive, that takes me back. They first came into my existence somewhere back in 1987 with their video “I Say Nothing”, a dayglo, kickass ‘indie’ record that went straight for the […]

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LATEST PODCASTS

  • Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music, "Fire Escape Symphonies" and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    Nerina Pallot on 25 Years of Music and Why Hope Still Matters | XS Noize Podcast #285
    May 19, 2026
  • Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
    Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us
    May 12, 2026
  • da Googie
    Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie and bringing immersive sound to Belfast | XS Noize Podcast #283
    May 5, 2026
  • Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
    Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
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  • Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
    Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
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  • Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
    Carol Decker on success, heartbreak, and finding her way back with T’Pau | XS Noize Podcast #280
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