blk. announces huge EMERGE 2026 Sunday takeover with Natte Visstick, Vieze Asbak, DYEN and Negitiv

May 7, 2026

The wait is over. We’re delighted to announce the updated line-up for blk.’s Emerge Sunday takeover, and we go huge. Belfast favourite blk. curates the full day with exclusive b2b and b3b sets from start […]

Mike Scott Takes on “Bullies” in The Waterboys’ New Single ‘Don’t Even Have To Say His Name’

May 7, 2026

Following the announcement of Atlantic Rain, a three-disc set of previously unheard music from the classic Fisherman’s Blues era, The Waterboys have released new single ‘Don’t Even Have To Say His Name,’ which is out now on Chrysalis Records. Written […]

ASH Announce 30th Anniversary Edition of Seminal Debut Album 1977 and Extensive World Tour

May 6, 2026

Originally released in 1996, 1977 is the #1 platinum-selling debut album that launched Ash from teenage upstarts to Britpop-era icons. Three decades on, this 30th Anniversary Edition celebrates the album that defined a generation with its breakneck energy, razor-sharp […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Rozzi – Fig Tree

May 7, 2026

This is the time of year when music lovers are on the lookout for that perfect summer album — a record to effortlessly soundtrack beach bars, balmy evenings, road trips and sunny strolls. Look no […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters - Your Favourite Toy

ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy

April 30, 2026

If But Here We Are was the funeral, Your Favorite Toy is the violent, jagged intake of breath that follows – a resurrection that is dangerously alive. On their twelfth studio outing, Dave Grohl and gang […]

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

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 […]

‘Pop’ at 25: Looking back at the orphan child in U2's discography 2

‘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

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 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 […]

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 […]

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

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: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

April 5, 2026

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 […]

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 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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. […]

blk. announces huge EMERGE 2026 Sunday takeover with Natte Visstick, Vieze Asbak, DYEN and Negitiv

Mike Scott Takes on “Bullies” in The Waterboys’ New Single ‘Don’t Even Have To Say His Name’

ASH Announce 30th Anniversary Edition of Seminal Debut Album 1977 and Extensive World Tour

Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Rozzi – Fig Tree

ALBUM REVIEW: Foo Fighters – Your Favorite Toy

Book Reviews

BOOK REVIEW: Y/N – Esther Yi

BOOK REVIEW: Sophomore Songs by Clarke Geddes

Classic Albums

‘Pop’ at 26: Looking back at the orphan child in U2’s discography

CLASSIC ALBUM: Duran Duran – Duran Duran

Live Reviews

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

IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

Round Up

XS Noize Best Albums of 2018

The Best Of October 2018 PLAYLIST + ROUND-UP

In Focus

IN FOCUS: Survivalist Bring the Thunder to Limelight 2, Belfast (with Foetal Juice, Existentialist & Suffer)

IN FOCUS// Ash ignite La Scala with career-spanning London show

December 10 announce Ulster Hall, Belfast show for July 20th 2026

White Denim set for Belfast return with Limelight 2 headline show on August 27th 2026

Tom Jones to Play Dublin & Belfast Headline Shows This August 2026

INTERVIEW: Col Gerrard on his self-titled debut, touring with Boyzlife and what comes next

INTERVIEW: Alicia Gaines on the Architecture of Ganser and Discomfort by Design

INTERVIEW: Elles Bailey on the Story Behind ‘Can’t Take My Story Away’

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

Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282

Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281

EMERGE 2026

blk. announces huge EMERGE 2026 Sunday takeover with Natte Visstick, Vieze Asbak, DYEN and Negitiv