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  • The Hoosiers on New Album ‘Compassion,’ Toxicity & Finding Joy Again | XS Noize Podcast #287
  • Glen Hansard Announces ‘Don+t Settle – Transmissions West,’ Recorded Live at Berlin’s Funkhaus
  • Belle and Sebastian release Scotland World Cup anthem ‘It Only Takes One Lion’
  • Duran Duran announce Belfast show at the SSE Arena on 18th October
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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • GLEN HANSARD
          News

          Glen Hansard Announces ‘Don+t Settle – Transmissions West,’ Recorded Live at Berlin’s Funkhaus

          June 2, 2026

          Glen Hansard has announced that Don+t Settle – Transmissions West, the second volume of his new album Don+t Settle – Transmissions East & West, will be released on June 26th, 2026. Recorded over two nights […]

          Belle & Sebastian
          News

          Belle and Sebastian release Scotland World Cup anthem ‘It Only Takes One Lion’

          June 2, 2026

          Belle & Sebastian dial up World Cup fever with ‘It Only Takes One Lion’, their bid for Scotland’s tournament anthem. Written following Scotland’s 4-2 qualifying win against Denmark and premiered at London’s Royal Albert Hall […]

          Duran Duran
          News

          Duran Duran announce Belfast show at the SSE Arena on 18th October

          June 1, 2026

          Global music icons Duran Duran have announced their first full UK arena tour in three years. Taking place in October, the shows land amongst another landmark year for Duran Duran, surrounded by the release of […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta - Cut A Silhouette
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta – Cut A Silhouette

          May 29, 2026

          Having spent two decades parsing the shifting sands of alternative rock, it takes something genuinely striking to cut through the noise. Enter Sparta’s latest offering, Cut A Silhouette. Spanning ten tracks across an urgent 33 […]

          Mull Historical Society
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Mull Historical Society – In My Mind There’s a Photograph

          May 26, 2026

          For Mull Historical Society’s last album, Colin MacIntyre — who is, in essence, Mull Historical Society — invited acclaimed authors to write lyrics for his musical compositions. The result was 2023’s In My Mind There’s […]

        • 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

          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 […]

          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 […]

        • 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
        • 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 […]

          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 […]

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  • Rick Mcmurray

Rick McMurray

Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of "Ad Astra" | XS Noize Podcast #248
Podcast

Rick McMurray on Ash’s 30-Year Journey and the Rocket-Fuel of “Ad Astra” | XS Noize Podcast #248

October 1, 2025 XS Noize

In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Rick McMurray looks back on 30 years of Ash and the rocket-fuel energy behind their new album Ad Astra. From teenage beginnings in Downpatrick to global stages, […]

ASH
News

ASH release new double A-side single Which One Do You Want? / Fun People featuring Graham Coxon

September 2, 2025 XS Noize

ASH have shared their new double A-side single Which One Do You Want? / Fun People (feat. Graham Coxon), the latest pair of songs to emerge from the band’s forthcoming Ad Astra album, set for […]

Ash
News

ASH Set to Rock Belfast’s Ulster Hall on 13th December 2025

May 19, 2025 XS Noize

Ash have been together for 30 years, but it was their two years apart which ultimately inspired their brilliant new album. Like the rest of the world, Tim Wheeler (guitar/vocals), Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray […]

Race The Night
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Race The Night

September 11, 2023 Iam Burn

My first encounter with Ash may be similar to many folks. I heard “Girl from Mars” in 1995  and thought, “What a fine-sounding bunch of minstrels these are. I must go away to my local […]

Ash
News

ASH share new single ‘Usual Places’ from their forthcoming album ‘Race The Night’

August 16, 2023 XS Noize

Ash are today revealing another glimpse into what their forthcoming album Race The Night holds. The new single ‘Usual Places’ received its airplay debut from Steve Lamacq on BBC 6 Music. ‘Usual Places’ arrives on […]

ASH
Gigs

ASH announce live acoustic performance + Q&A session Live at Oh Yeah, Belfast

August 2, 2023 XS Noize

To celebrate the release of their latest album ‘Race The Night’, Ash will be performing a special acoustic set and then taking part in a Q&A session at the venue below. Oh Yeah, BELFAST – […]

ASH
New Music

ASH announce newly remastered splatter edition vinyl reissue of ‘Nu-Clear Sounds’

January 18, 2023 XS Noize

Ash are today announcing the reissue of their second album, Nu-Clear Sounds. Newley remastered and reissued for the first time since its original 1998 release, it will be available on limited edition Clear and Nu-Clear […]

ASH
Podcast

INTERVIEW: Tim Wheeler from ASH on the reissue of their hugely successful third album ‘Free All Angels’

September 26, 2022 XS Noize

In episode #102 of The XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar catches up with Tim Wheeler from Ash about the reissue of their hugely successful and beloved third album Free All Angels. Free All Angels was […]

ASH
News

ASH announce vinyl reissue of their third album ‘Free All Angels’ & tour dates

August 30, 2022 XS Noize

ASH have announced the reissue on newly remastered splatter vinyl of their hugely successful and beloved FREE ALL ANGELS album on 16 September. The release follows the reissue of their debut album 1977 earlier this […]

ASH
Gigs

ASH announce a special homecoming 30th-anniversary celebration at the Iconic Ulster Hall, Belfast, this December

August 8, 2022 XS Noize

Northern Ireland’s finest ASH are pleased to announce a very special homecoming 30th-anniversary celebration at the Iconic Ulster Hall, Belfast, this December. This specially curated show will chart the Downpatrick Trio’s success story from their […]

ASH to perform debut album 1977 in full at exclusive online show on June 5th
Gigs

ASH to perform debut album 1977 in full at exclusive online show on June 5th

June 4, 2021 XS Noize

Ash have confirmed that they will be playing their beloved debut album 1977 in full during a very special online show set for Saturday, June 5th. Released on Infections in 1996, the band’s platinum-selling UK […]

ASH announce a headline Belfast show at The Limelight 1 on Friday 29th May
Gigs

ASH announce a headline Belfast show at The Limelight 1 on Friday 29th May

February 26, 2020 XS Noize

Northern Ireland’s finest, ASH are pleased to announce a headline Belfast show at The Limelight 1 on Friday 29th May 2020 to celebrate ’25 years of Ash’, joined on the night by The Wood Burning […]

INTERVIEW: Tim Wheeler on Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash 3
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash

February 14, 2020 Ben P Scott

It’s hard to believe that it’s been quarter of a century since Northern Irish indie pop-punk trio Ash burst onto the scene in the mid-90s. 25 years later and the group have endured, still maintaining […]

ASH share brand-new video for 'Girl From Mars' - Watch Now
Gigs

ASH share brand-new video for ‘Girl From Mars’ – Watch Now

February 11, 2020 XS Noize

Having announced the career-spanning Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash – released this coming Friday, February 14th – ASH is today sharing a brand-new video for Girl From Mars. Originally taken from the band’s breakthrough […]

INTERVIEW: Tim Wheeler on Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash 3
Gigs

ASH announce run of Feb in-store appearances

February 5, 2020 XS Noize

On the eve of their nattily titled Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash collection, ASH are pleased to announce details of a short run of in-store appearances throughout the album’s week of release. The band […]

INTERVIEW: Tim Wheeler on Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Tim Wheeler on Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash

February 3, 2020 XS Noize

Having successfully outlasted their self-described ‘guaranteed real teenagers’ tagline when they first burst in earshot in 1994, ASH release Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash released on 14th February 2020. Teenage Wildlife traces the band’s […]

ASH share brand-new single 'Darkest Hour of The Night' - Listen Now
Gigs

ASH share brand-new single ‘Darkest Hour of The Night’ – Listen Now

January 7, 2020 XS Noize

Having announced the career-spanning Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash, released on February 14th Irish trio ASH are pleased to see in 2012 with new track Darkest Hour Of The Night. Penned once again by […]

ASH share new video for classic track 'Petrol' - Watch Now
Gigs

ASH share new video for classic track ‘Petrol’ – Watch Now

November 26, 2019 XS Noize

Following the recent announcement of their career-spanning, Teenage Wildlife: 25 Years Of Ash, the Irish trio are pleased to share a brand new video montage for Petrol. The track, originally released in 1994, was part […]

INTERVIEW: Tim Wheeler of Ash on New album 'Islands' + Playing Belfast 1
Interviews

INTERVIEW: Tim Wheeler of Ash on New album ‘Islands’ + Playing Belfast

May 30, 2018 XS Noize

Irish three-piece Ash returned with their latest album ‘Islands’ on 18th May. Islands – Ash’s first album since 2015’s Kablammo! – marks their debut for new label Infectious Music – previously home to the band’s number […]

ASH Share performances from the BBC Biggest Weekend with The Undertones’ Damien O’Neill & Mickey Bradley
Gigs

ASH Share performances from the BBC Biggest Weekend with The Undertones’ Damien O’Neill & Mickey Bradley

May 30, 2018 XS Noize

Close on the heels of their acclaimed new UK Top 20 album release ‘Islands’ – out now via Infectious and featuring 6Music play-listed singles ‘Buzzkill’ and ‘Annabel’ – Ash is today sharing live footage from […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • 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
    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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