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  • ALBUM REVIEW: Nothing – A Short History Of Decay
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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Peaky Blinders
          News

          ‘Puppet’ by Grian Chatten Leads Official Soundtrack for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

          February 19, 2026

          Today, RCA Records UK have announced the official soundtrack to Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the highly anticipated feature film from series creator Steven Knight, will be released on March 6th. Alongside the announcement, the first official single ‘Puppet’ by […]

          Foo Fighters
          News

          Foo Fighters return with “Your Favorite Toy” the title track and first taste of their forthcoming 12th studio album

          February 19, 2026

          Try not to choke on the glitter… “Your Favorite Toy,” the titular first single of Foo Fighters’ forthcoming 12th full-length studio album, has been released. The first new FF music of 2026, “Your Favorite Toy” […]

          U2
          News

          U2 Return with ‘Days Of Ash’, a Brand New Standalone EP

          February 18, 2026

          On this Ash Wednesday (the day after carnival) – Island Records today announces the release of ‘U2 – Days Of Ash’, a brand new standalone 6-track EP from U2.  In advance of a new album in late 2026, […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Nothing - A Short History Of Decay
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Nothing – A Short History Of Decay

          February 20, 2026

          Philadelphia shoegaze standard-bearers Nothing return in 2026 with A Short History Of Decay, a record that feels less like a reinvention and more like a reaffirmation of everything they’ve quietly perfected over the past decade […]

          Paul Draper
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Paul Draper – Mansun Retold

          February 20, 2026

          Three decades have passed since Mansun first injected a dose of grand, prog-inflected eccentricity into the waning days of Britpop. In 2026, ex-frontman Paul Draper returns with Mansun Retold, a project that resists the easy […]

        • 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: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London photos by Martin
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Of Monsters and Men Camden Roundhouse, London

          February 21, 2026

          Of Monsters and Men first broke through in 2010 after winning Músíktilraunir, Iceland’s annual Battle of the Bands. That early victory propelled the then-emerging collective onto the international stage, leading to a European Border Breakers […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Johannes Eckerström Commands Rock City as Avatar Unleash Theatrical Mayhem Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Johannes Eckerström Commands Rock City as Avatar Unleash Theatrical Mayhem

          February 21, 2026

          Swedish heavy metal visionaries Avatar transformed Nottingham’s Rock City into a dark theatrical spectacle on February 17th — delivering one of the most visually captivating and musically explosive shows the venue has seen in recent […]

        • 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// 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 […]

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland Credit: Becca McCaffrey
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Biffy Clyro at 3Arena Dublin, Ireland

          January 11, 2026

          Biffy Clyro put on a brilliant show at the 3Arena on Saturday, 10 January, delivering a set that was as heavy and intense as it was open and emotional. The sold-out Dublin crowd were treated […]

  • Gigs
        • Hans Zimmer
          Gigs

          Hans Zimmer: The ultimate fan’s guide

          August 27, 2025

          Hans Zimmer, the genius behind Hollywood’s most unforgettable scores, is back on tour with an electrifying live experience to share with his fans. From “Inception” to “Dune”, Zimmer is preparing to transform his soundscapes into […]

          Andrea Bocelli
          Gigs

          The ultimate fans guide to seeing Andrea Bocelli in Amsterdam

          August 21, 2025

          The Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, will be at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on March 29 and 30, 2026. The show will feature a mix of operatic tracks, pop songs, and classical repertoire. Bocelli is […]

          Eros Ramazzotti
          Gigs

          Eros Ramazzotti: Dates, venues, tickets and more

          August 18, 2025

          To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his breakout single, “Una Storia Importante”, Eros Ramazzotti will be performing live on some of the grandest stages across Europe, Latin America, and North America. Ramazzotti is a world-renowned […]

  • Interviews
        • Jordan Anthony
          Interviews

          Jordan Anthony on “Lost In LA”, Finding His Voice in LA & Dream Tour Plans

          February 10, 2026

          He may only be 20, but Perth-born, LA-based artist Jordan Anthony already has more experience within the music industry than many might expect. He was writing songs and playing instruments before he hit double digits, […]

          TAVE
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: TAVE Talks ‘Fly Away,’ Self-Discovery, and the Art of Letting Go

          November 11, 2025

          Rising artist TAVE has had an extraordinary journey — from earning a scholarship at just 13 and performing with some of music’s biggest names to now stepping into the spotlight with his deeply personal debut […]

          :Panic :Over
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: :Panic :Over Are Turning Northern Irish Indie Into a Global Sound

          October 16, 2025

          Neal McClelland meets the Northern Irish band whose anthemic sound is turning heads from Belfast to Tokyo. There’s something electric about catching a band right before liftoff — that mix of confidence, humour, and disbelief […]

  • Podcast
        • Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271
          Podcast

          Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271

          February 17, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to revisit Howl — the band’s third album and a bold creative left turn […]

          Mark Shaw - Then Jerico | XS Noize Podcast #270
          Podcast

          Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270

          February 10, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Mark Shaw of Then Jerico to talk about The Return — a moment that reconnects legacy, live energy, and purpose as the […]

          Desertflowerboots_H - photo credit Sandrita Cardenas 1
          Podcast

          Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on creativity, chaos, and Wormslayer | XS Noize Podcast #269

          February 8, 2026

          In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar sits down with Kula Shaker frontman Crispian Mills to talk about Wormslayer — a record that captures the band feeling revitalised, confident, and creatively fearless. […]

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Bangor

The Florentinas
News

Bangor four-piece The Florentinas release new single ‘For You’

March 6, 2025 XS Noize

Following from playing main support to Snow Patrol throughout Europe over two weeks in February, Bangor four-piece The Florentinas are pleased to release their new single ‘FOR YOU’. Paddy from The Florentinas said; “For you’ […]

Mark Hegan
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Mark Hegan discusses his debut EP – ‘Human Mind’

November 6, 2023 Niall Donnelly

It’s been a busy few years for Bangor native Mark Hegan. Since 2019, he has released no fewer than nine singles and relentlessly performed on every stage he can get his two feet on. Having […]

Foy Vance
News

FOY VANCE returns to his hometown of Bangor for two shows in December

July 17, 2023 XS Noize

Foy Vance returns to his hometown of Bangor for two shows on Friday 8th & Saturday 9th December. The last time Foy played the Open House Festival in Bangor was in 2014, and the shows […]

Thom Southern
News

Belfast songsmith THOM SOUTHERN releases Lo-Fi heartbreaker ‘Love Hz’

April 14, 2023 XS Noize

A one-off release, the enigmatic Belfast songsmith is back with a new single that finds him stripping back the sonics to craft something of an unadorned and unassuming beauty. Pared back of arrangement and unspoiled […]

The Florentinas
Gigs

THE FLORENTINAS announce Empire Music Hall show on Friday 5th May

February 28, 2023 XS Noize

One of Ireland’s most exciting bands, The Florentinas are back with their new single ‘Weatherman’ released on February 24th. The Bangor four-piece have had an incredible twelve months, releasing two radio singles, ‘Sandcastles’ and ‘It’s […]

The Florentinas
News

Bangor four-piece THE FLORENTINAS are back with new single ‘Weatherman’

February 24, 2023 XS Noize

One of Ireland’s most exciting bands, The Florentinas are back with their new single ‘Weatherman.’ The Bangor four-piece has had an incredible twelve months, releasing two radio singles, ‘Sandcastles’ and ‘It’s Not In Vain’, and […]

The Court House
Gigs

Northern Ireland’s newest live music venue, THE COURT HOUSE, opens its doors in Bangor City

October 18, 2022 XS Noize

Following seven years of fundraising, lobbying, planning and extensive refurbishment, The Court House on Bangor seafront will finally open its doors to the public on Thursday, 20th October. The first performances will be from up-and-coming […]

IN FOCUS// Snow Patrol Acoustic at McKee Clock Arena, Bangor
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// Snow Patrol Acoustic at McKee Clock Arena, Bangor, Northern Ireland

September 1, 2022 Bernie McAllister

Gary Lightbody, lead singer of Snow Patrol and the City of Bangor’s most famous son, was awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Ards and North Down Borough Council at a special civic ceremony at […]

Snow Patrol's Gary Lightbody to receive ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award in Belfast on November 15th
Gigs

SNOW PATROL To Play Acoustic Concert on Bangor Seafront To Celebrate the Award of Freedom of The Borough to Gary Lightbody

July 7, 2022 XS Noize

Gary Lightbody, lead singer of Snow Patrol and the City of Bangor’s most famous son, will be awarded the Freedom of the Borough by Ards and North Down Borough Council at a special civic ceremony […]

THE FLORENTINAS announce headline Belfast show at the Ulster Sports Club on Friday 4th March 2022
Gigs

THE FLORENTINAS announce headline Belfast show at the Ulster Sports Club on Friday 4th March 2022

February 7, 2022 XS Noize

Bangor four-piece The Florentinas have announced a headline Belfast show at the Ulster Sports Club on Friday 04th March 2022, the show announce follows the release of their new single ‘It’s not in Vain’. The […]

Bangor four-piece THE FLORENTINAS release new single ‘It’s Not In Vain’
New Music

Bangor four-piece THE FLORENTINAS release new single ‘It’s Not In Vain’

February 4, 2022 XS Noize

The Florentinas have released their new single ‘It’s Not In Vain’, today, February 4th 2022. The Bangor four-piece released their debut single ‘Sandcastles’ in October 2021 and earned key media support across Ireland, followed by […]

WARD THOMAS announce an Intimate Bangor Acoustic show on Tuesday 23rd November 2021
Gigs

WARD THOMAS announce an Intimate Bangor Acoustic show on Tuesday 23rd November 2021

August 23, 2021 XS Noize

British country-pop duo Ward Thomas are pleased to announce an Intimate Bangor Acoustic show on Tuesday 23rd November 2021 at First Bangor Church. Ward Thomas released their new album ’Invitation’ in October 2020 – the […]

SNOW PATROL and OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL announce Ward Park FREE 1
Gigs

SNOW PATROL and OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL announce Ward Park FREE

May 15, 2019 XS Noize

Open House Festival has joined forces with Snow Patrol to curate a line-up of exciting bands, musicians and electronic DJs to play in eight Bangor pubs on Friday 24th May – the night before the […]

THE STAVES join OPEN HOUSE BANGOR line-up
News

THE STAVES join OPEN HOUSE BANGOR line-up

April 29, 2019 XS Noize

English indie-folk trio The Staves are the latest band to be announced for this year’s Open House Festival, Bangor. The concert will take place on Thursday 22nd August in the beautiful setting of First Bangor […]

SNOW PATROL: CONFIRM Northern Ireland tour dates
Gigs

BBC Northern Ireland goes on the road with Snow Patrol, TONIGHT: BBC One at 10.35pm

April 24, 2019 XS Noize

For a quarter of a century, from small gigs to the biggest arenas in the world, Northern Irish rockers Snow Patrol have lived life on tour buses, aeroplanes and in hotels. In late 2018, after […]

INTERVIEW: Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody on Ward Park 3 - "We wanted to complete the hat trick." 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Snow Patrol frontman Gary Lightbody on Ward Park 3 – “We wanted to complete the hat trick.”

April 11, 2019 XS Noize

Over the last 25 years, Snow Patrol have released 7 albums and racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including 13 million global album sales, 1 billion global track streams, 5 UK […]

Irish Indie Folk Band VILLAGERS to Play at Bangor's Open House Festival 1
Gigs

Irish Indie Folk Band VILLAGERS to Play at Bangor’s Open House Festival

April 10, 2019 XS Noize

Irish indie folk band Villagers will play an intimate gig as part of this year’s Open House Festival Bangor. The concert will take place on Friday 23rd August in First Bangor church – a new venue for […]

THE SPECIALS to play at OPEN HOUSE BANGOR, this August
Gigs

THE SPECIALS to play at OPEN HOUSE BANGOR, this August

March 14, 2019 XS Noize

Legendary English band The Specials will visit Bangor, County Down, this August to play an outdoor concert as part of Open House Festival. The gig on Bangor seafront, overlooking the marina and Bangor Bay, will […]

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB to join SNOW PATROL at Ward Park, Bangor on Saturday 25th May
Gigs

TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB to join SNOW PATROL at Ward Park, Bangor on Saturday 25th May

February 5, 2019 XS Noize

Following two years of worldwide touring, playing to ever-growing audiences, and culminating in headlining to a 40,000 sold-out audience at Community Festival, London, in June 2018, TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB is set to join SNOW […]

INTERVIEW: Snow Patrol's Nathan Connolly on new album Wildness + possible return to Ward Park, Bangor 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Snow Patrol’s Nathan Connolly on new album Wildness + possible return to Ward Park, Bangor

May 22, 2018 XS Noize

On May 25th, Snow Patrol will return with Wildness, which finds the band searching for clarity, connection, and meaning while staying true to the melodic songwriting prowess that brought them to prominence. Wildness taps into […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271
    Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271
    February 17, 2026
  • Mark Shaw - Then Jerico | XS Noize Podcast #270
    Mark Shaw of Then Jerico on The Return, legacy, and bringing the full band show to Ireland | XS Noize Podcast #270
    February 10, 2026
  • Desertflowerboots_H - photo credit Sandrita Cardenas 1
    Crispian Mills of Kula Shaker on creativity, chaos, and Wormslayer | XS Noize Podcast #269
    February 8, 2026
  • Dani Larkin
    Dani Larkin on Next Of Kin: life, loss, and learning to stay open | XS Noize Podcast #268
    February 3, 2026
  • Paul Draper
    Paul Draper on Mansun Retold: revisiting old songs with new perspective | XS Noize Podcast #267
    January 27, 2026
  • Alexander Wolfe
    Alexander Wolfe on ‘Everythinglessness’ and confronting masculinity through music | XS Noize Podcast #266
    January 20, 2026

TOP UK MUSIC BLOG 2026

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  • LANA DEL REY RELEASES NEW SINGLE ‘WHITE FEATHER HAWK TAIL DEER HUNTER’Lana Del Rey Releases New Single ‘White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter’ February 17, 2026
  • U2U2 Return with ‘Days Of Ash’, a Brand New Standalone EP February 18, 2026
  • Paul DraperALBUM REVIEW: Paul Draper – Mansun Retold February 20, 2026
  • Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271Robert Levon Been of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Re-Examining Howl | XS Noize Podcast #271 February 17, 2026
  • Peaky Blinders‘Puppet’ by Grian Chatten Leads Official Soundtrack for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man February 19, 2026
  • LevellersLevellers announce headline tour celebrating 35 years of ‘Levelling The Land’ February 16, 2026
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