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  • 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
  • LIVE REVIEW: Mulatu Astatke Brings Ethio-Jazz Mastery To Meltdown Festival
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  • News
        • 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 […]

          Belfast TradFest
          News

          Belfast TradFest Announces Landmark 2026 Programme Across 40 Venues

          June 19, 2026

          Belfast TradFest has announced the full programme for its 2026 edition, which will take place from July 26 to August 2 across the city. The festival’s eighth edition will feature more than 1,000 artists across […]

  • 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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  • Empathy Test

Empathy Test

EMPATHY TEST
Gigs

Electronic pop act EMPATHY TEST announce 10th Anniversary European tour

January 11, 2024 XS Noize

Empathy Test was formed in London a decade ago by childhood friends Isaac Howlett (vocals/songwriting) and Adam Relf (production/composition), subsequently evolving from complete obscurity to become one of the most popular bands in the alternative […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Empathy Test - Monsters
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Empathy Test – Monsters

May 15, 2020 Amanda Stock

Since Empathy Test’s conception in January 2013, the London-based synth-pop act have been fiercely independent and brave in both self-producing and self – releasing not one, but two brilliant debut albums back in November 2017 […]

EMPATHY TEST return with haunting new single 'Monsters' - Listen Now
News

EMPATHY TEST return with haunting new single ‘Monsters’ – Listen Now

April 27, 2020 XS Noize

Monsters is the forthcoming single from synth-pop magicians, Empathy Test, the lead track from their forthcoming album which looks to cement them as one of the most inventive, emotionally affecting and addictive musical experiences around. […]

TRACK PREMIERE: Empathy Test - 'Empty Handed' - Listen Now
Exclusive!

TRACK PREMIERE: Empathy Test – ‘Empty Handed’ – Listen Now

May 23, 2019 XS Noize

XS NOIZE are very, very excited to premiere the latest dazzling new single release, “Empty Handed” from London synthpop group, Empathy Test, released on Friday 24th May. “Empty Handed” follows the success of double A-side […]

EXCLUSIVE: Empathy Test - unveil double sided release of Holy Rivers and Incubation Song - Listen Now
Exclusive!

EXCLUSIVE: Empathy Test – unveil double sided release of Holy Rivers and Incubation Song – Listen Now

October 31, 2018 XS Noize

We’re incredibly proud of this new EP; the two new songs have been going down so well live and the remixes by Man Without Country and The New Division are sensational. The fact that we’ve […]

Track of the Day: Empathy Test - Demons / Seeing Stars
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Empathy Test – “Losing Touch” (Remastered) & “Safe From Harm”

November 17, 2017 Amanda Stock

Today is a very special day for London- based, electro-pop duo Empathy Test – made up of childhood friends Isaac Howlett and Adam Relf who formed the band in 2013. Sharing a mutual love for […]

Empathy Test return for 2017 with their new EP ‘By My Side’ - Listen to track
The Listening Post

Empathy Test return for 2017 with their new EP ‘By My Side’ – Listen to track

February 7, 2017 XS Noize

Empathy Test return for 2017 with their new EP ‘By My Side’. With echoes of CHVRCHES and Purity Ring, the enigmatic duo have impressed with their brooding electro sound; winning critical praise and a legion […]

Michael Forsyth & The Amber Haze - Escape the World - Listen
Podcast

XS Noize Podcast: #12: Scottish Singer-Songwriter Michael Forsyth + Empathy Test

August 18, 2016 XS Noize

A little while ago, not many people outside of a small Scottish town had heard of singer songwriter Michael Forsyth. That changed when his second album ‘Stop For the World’ reached number one in the […]

Track of the Day: Empathy Test - Demons / Seeing Stars
Track Of The Day

Track of the Day: Empathy Test – Demons / Seeing Stars

August 17, 2016 Amanda Stock

London’s Empathy Test are back with double A-Side Demons/Seeing Stars, the first taste of their forthcoming debut album. Since releasing their stunning debut EP, “Losing Touch” in 2014, followed by their second, “Throwing Stones”, the enigmatic […]

Empathy Test - to Release New double A-side single Demons / Seeing Stars 1
News

Empathy Test – to Release New double A-side single Demons / Seeing Stars

August 5, 2016 XS Noize

Empathy Test are back with double A-Side ‘Demons / Seeing Stars’, the first taste of the forthcoming debut album. Since releasing their stunning debut EP, ‘Losing Touch’, the enigmatic duo have impressed with their brooding […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • Dea Matrona
    Dea Matrona on ‘Hate That I Care’ and Creative Independence | XS Noize Podcast #289
    June 16, 2026
  • Embrace
    Danny McNamara on Embrace’s New Album ‘Avalanche’ and Why Life Doesn’t Wait | XS Noize Podcast #288
    June 9, 2026
  • The Hoosiers
    The Hoosiers on New Album ‘Compassion,’ Toxicity & Finding Joy Again | XS Noize Podcast #287
    June 2, 2026
  • robert arkins - the commitments
    Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286
    May 25, 2026
  • 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
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