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  • Spiritualized Announce Rare Acoustic Mainlines UK Shows For December
  • Brian Fallon Announces New Album ‘Not Bad For New Jersey’ And Shares New Single ‘Pearls’
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Embrace – Avalanche
  • Danny McNamara on Embrace’s New Album ‘Avalanche’ and Why Life Doesn’t Wait | XS Noize Podcast #288
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  • News
        • Spiritualized
          News

          Spiritualized Announce Rare Acoustic Mainlines UK Shows For December

          June 11, 2026

          Spiritualized have announced four rare Acoustic Mainlines shows in the UK this December, marking the 20th anniversary of their first-ever acoustic performances. The Acoustic Mainlines shows were originally conceived around the time of the making […]

          Brian Fallon
          News

          Brian Fallon Announces New Album ‘Not Bad For New Jersey’ And Shares New Single ‘Pearls’

          June 10, 2026

          Brian Fallon has announced details of his eagerly awaited new album, Not Bad For New Jersey, set for release via his own Lesser Known Records on Thursday, September 10, 2026, digitally, with the physical release […]

          Interpol
          News

          Interpol return with new album ‘This Mirror Weighs a Ton’ and share two new tracks

          June 9, 2026

          Interpol have announced their new album This Mirror Weighs a Ton, their first in four years and debut for Partisan Records, arriving August 28. Alongside the announcement, the band share the two opening tracks, the […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          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 […]

          ALBUM REVIEW: Abrasive Trees – Light Remaining
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Abrasive Trees – Light Remaining

          June 3, 2026

          Death, grief and frazzled nerves conspire on an epic odyssey to the dark side Totnes experimentalists Abrasive Trees have long sailed choppy liminal seas between the living world and whatever lurks beyond it. Their debut […]

        • 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: Midge Ure Delivers a Classy, Nostalgic Night at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Midge Ure Delivers a Classy, Nostalgic Night at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall

          June 4, 2026

          On May 30th, legendary Scottish musician and songwriter Midge Ure brought a nostalgic, polished and deeply enjoyable show to Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall. The all-seated theatre was packed well before Ure and his band arrived […]

          Lone Assembly
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Lone Assembly bring dark synthpop and post-punk atmosphere to London’s MOTH Club

          May 27, 2026

          When a proposed property development threatened the future of the 300-capacity MOTH Club, the support to save it far exceeded the venue’s maximum attendance. Around 30,000 people signed a petition to protect the much-loved Hackney […]

        • 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
        • 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 […]

          robert arkins - the commitments
          Podcast

          Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286

          May 25, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Robert Arkins, best known to millions as Jimmy Rabbitte in Alan Parker’s classic 1991 film The Commitments. Robert joins Mark for […]

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  • Justin Hawkins

Justin Hawkins

IN FOCUS// The Darkness Set Wembley Arena Alight with Glam Rock Glory Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Darkness Set Wembley Arena Alight with Glam Rock Glory

April 3, 2025 Alina Salihbekova

On April 29th, one of Britain’s most electrifying live acts, The Darkness, lit up a sold-out OVO Wembley Arena with an impossible show to ignore. Kicking off the night in fine style were Ash, the […]

the darkness
News

The Darkness release video for new single ‘I Hate Myself’

January 7, 2025 XS Noize

The Darkness have released the video for their new single ‘I Hate Myself’, the latest song to be taken from their forthcoming eighth studio album Dreams On Toast which is out on March 28th via […]

The Darkness
News

The Darkness release brand new single ‘I Hate Myself’

December 10, 2024 XS Noize

Following its premiere with Jo Whiley on BBC Radio 2 last night, The Darkness have today (December 10th) released their explosive new single ‘I Hate Myself’. It’s the second track to be taken from their forthcoming […]

The Darkness
Gigs

The Darkness return to Belfast with a headline show at Custom House Square with special guests ASH and Bad Nerves

October 28, 2024 XS Noize

Legends of rock, The Darkness, are pleased to announce a return to Belfast with a headline show at Custom House Square with special guests ASH and Bad Nerves on Saturday, 09th August 2025. More than […]

The Darkness
Gigs

THE DARKNESS announce new album ‘Dreams On Toast’ & UK headline tour

September 18, 2024 XS Noize

Legends of rock The Darkness have returned to bedazzle and amaze once more. In March 2025, they will release their eighth studio album, Dreams On Toast, via Cooking Vinyl.  “You know that thing when God’s breath tickles […]

IN FOCUS// The Darkness at Rock City, Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
IN FOCUS

IN FOCUS// The Darkness at Rock City, Nottingham

December 16, 2023 Alina Salihbekova

The Darkness visited Nottingham as a part of the 20th Anniversary of their Permission to Land tour. The gig was completely sold out, and Rock City was fully packed. The second they came on stage, […]

The Darkness
News

THE DARKNESS release trailer for new documentary ‘Welcome to The Darkness’

October 26, 2023 XS Noize

Lightbulb Film Distribution are excited to share first look stills and the new trailer for Welcome to The Darkness, a warts and all feature-length documentary about British rockers, The Darkness, coming to cinemas nationwide on […]

The Darkness
News

THE DARKNESS announce feature-length documentary ‘Welcome To The Darkness’

September 29, 2023 XS Noize

Lightbulb Film Distribution today has announced that Welcome to The Darkness, a warts and all feature-length documentary about British rockers, The Darkness, is coming to cinemas on November 9th for one night only, plus encores. […]

The Darkness
Features

Darkness on the Edge of Town – The trajectory of a touring band. From clubs to capacity

August 7, 2023 Chris Mullan

It’s February 2006—Aerosmith’s Love in an Elevator blasts from Belfast’s Odyssey Arena speakers. For three rock and roll-obsessed fourteen-year-olds, the evening could already be considered a success. But the main event is still to come. […]

The Darkness
News

THE DARKNESS announce ‘Permission To Land… Again’ – special 20th anniversary reissue

July 6, 2023 XS Noize

On the eve of the 20th anniversary of Permission To Land – the chart-topping, award-winning, multi-platinum debut album which changed the face of rock music forever when it was originally released on July 7th 2003 […]

The Darkness
Gigs

THE DARKNESS announce ‘Permission To Land’ UK & Ireland headline tour

July 3, 2023 XS Noize

The Darkness, Britain’s world-renowned and hugely-beloved rock band extraordinaire, have announced nine new shows for the Permission To Land 20 world tour, which will run through the UK and Ireland in December. Regarding the shows […]

The Darkness
Gigs

THE DARKNESS – Announce 20th Anniversary Tour of ‘Permission To Land’

March 22, 2023 XS Noize

2023 finds Britain’s beloved rock band The Darkness celebrating 20 years since they birthed Permission To Land, the multi-platinum, chart-topping debut album which changed the face of rock music forever. To celebrate the landmark occasion, […]

THE DARKNESS announce headline Belfast show at Limelight 1 on 28th February 2022 1
New Music

THE DARKNESS announce headline Belfast show at Limelight 1 on 28th February 2022

September 21, 2021 XS Noize

Multi-platinum British Rock band The Darkness are pleased to announce a return to Belfast Limelight 1 on 28th February 2022. Frontman/guitarist Justin Hawkins, guitarist/producer Dan Hawkins, bassist Frankie Poullain, drummer Rufus Taylor will release their […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • 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
    May 12, 2026
  • da Googie
    Deb Googe & Cara Tivey on da Googie and bringing immersive sound to Belfast | XS Noize Podcast #283
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