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  • Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, announces Belfast show
  • ALBUM REVIEW: Sparta – Cut A Silhouette
  • Inspiral Carpets announce ‘Burn Like The Sun’ – their first studio album in 12 years
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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Julian Marley
          News

          Julian Marley, son of reggae legend Bob Marley, announces Belfast show

          May 29, 2026

          Born in London, England on June 4, 1975, Julian Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley and Barbados-born Lucy Pounder. Growing up as a youth in a musical atmosphere, the Grammy Award Nominated […]

          Inspiral Carpets
          News

          Inspiral Carpets announce ‘Burn Like The Sun’ – their first studio album in 12 years

          May 29, 2026

          Inspiral Carpets announce Burn Like The Sun – their first studio album in 12 years, out January 29th, 2027 via Scruff of the Neck Records. The band have unveiled a special announcement video, narrated by […]

          Faithless
          News

          Faithless Announce Special Guests For CHSq Belfast Show With Phil Hartnoll, Justin Robertson & Marion Hawkes

          May 28, 2026

          Dance pioneers Faithless are back with their biggest Belfast headline show to date at Custom House Square on Thursday 20th August 2026, alongside very special guests, Phil Hartnoll (Orbital), Justin Robertson and Marion Hawkes. Few […]

  • 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
        • 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 […]

          Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
          Podcast

          Broken Social Scene on ‘Remember The Humans,’ grief and why music still saves us

          May 12, 2026

          In the latest episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Kevin Drew and Charles Spearin of Broken Social Scene. Kevin and Charles join Mark for a warm, reflective and deeply human […]

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  • The Specials

The Specials

The Undertones
Gigs

THE UNDERTONES announce Belfast & Derry shows celebrating 45 years of Teenage Kicks

April 28, 2023 XS Noize

Local legends The Undertones are pleased to announce headline Belfast & Derry shows at The Telegraph Building, Belfast, on Saturday, November 25th and the Millennium Forum, Derry, on Friday, November 24th 2023. The shows will […]

Terry Hall
Gigs

A NIGHT FOR TERRY HALL announced at the Limelight 1 in memory of The Specials’ lead singer Terry Hall

March 13, 2023 XS Noize

A very special night has been announced at the Limelight 1 in memory of musical pioneer, The Specials’ lead singer Terry Hall who passed away following a brief illness in December. The celebration falls on […]

LIVE REVIEW: Neville Staple Band at Boiler Shop, Newcastle upon Tyne, 15th October 2022
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Neville Staple Band at Boiler Shop, Newcastle upon Tyne

October 18, 2022 Iam Burn

I can’t believe it’s been 40 years since “Ghost Town” hit the top of the singles charts. The Specials anthemic track is still relevant today, a song about social issues such as racial tensions and […]

THE SPECIALS share video for new single 'Freedom Highway' - Watch Now
Gigs

THE SPECIALS share video for new single ‘Freedom Highway’ – Watch Now

September 3, 2021 XS Noize

The Specials whose eagerly awaited new album “Protest Songs – 1924 -2012” is released on October 1st have dropped a video for one of the album’s standout tracks “Freedom Highway”. Written by Pops Staples and […]

THE SPECIALS return with the release of their brand new album 'Protest Songs – 1924 -2012'
New Music

THE SPECIALS return with the release of their brand new album ‘Protest Songs – 1924 -2012’

August 17, 2021 XS Noize

The Specials who enjoyed a triumphant 2019 with the release of the critically acclaimed “Encore”, their first-ever number 1 album, coming 40 years after they exploded onto the music scene and launched the 2 Tone […]

THE NEVILLE STAPLE BAND Release New Single “Put Away Your Knives” - Listen Now
News

THE NEVILLE STAPLE BAND Release New Single “Put Away Your Knives” – Listen Now

April 30, 2019 XS Noize

Check out this amazing song, “Put Away Your Knives”, by the Neville Staple Band, with its 2Tone influenced punky ska and reggae mix, along with the on-point lyrics that focus on the current knife crime […]

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 […]

THE SPECIALS Release New Single ‘Vote For Me’ from New Album ‘Encore’- Listen Now
News

THE SPECIALS release lyric video for ’Vote For Me’ – Watch Now

January 4, 2019 XS Noize

The Specials, one of the most electrifying, influential and important bands of all time, follow the announcement of ‘Encore’, their first new album in 37 years, with the release of their new single “Vote For […]

THE SPECIALS Release New Single ‘Vote For Me’ from New Album ‘Encore’- Listen Now
News

THE SPECIALS Release New Single ‘Vote For Me’ from New Album ‘Encore’- Listen Now

December 3, 2018 XS Noize

The Specials, one of the most electrifying, influential and important British bands of all time, have unveiled details of Encore, their first new album in 37 years. The album will be released on February 1st, […]

THE SPECIALS to release brand new album
Gigs

THE SPECIALS announce “Encore” 40th Anniversary Tour 2019

October 30, 2018 XS Noize

The Specials, one of the most electrifying, influential and important bands of all time have announced a 31-date European and UK tour in support of their just announced brand new album, “Encore”. “Encore”, The Specials first new […]

THE SPECIALS to release brand new album
News

THE SPECIALS to release brand new album

October 26, 2018 XS Noize

The Specials, one of the most electrifying, influential and important bands of all time, release “Encore”, their first new music for 37 years via UMC /Island Records on February 1st. 2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the formation […]

GEORGIA & The VINTAGE YOUTH Releases Collection of Tracks from Previous EP'S 1
News

GEORGIA & The VINTAGE YOUTH Releases Collection of Tracks from Previous EP’S

August 7, 2018 XS Noize

Georgia is just 21 years of age, Essex girl with a big voice, big blonde hair and a cool little jazz band called The Vintage Youth. Her retro jazz/swing style of music is both vintage […]

Track of the Day: Death of Guitar Pop - Rickety Old Train
The Listening Post

Neville Staple (The Specials) appears on Death Of Guitar Pop’s New Single

September 21, 2017 XS Noize

Essex-based DEATH OF GUITAR POP have announced details of their debut album ’69 Candy Street’ (out November 10th), a new single ‘Suburban Ska Club’ (which features Neville Staple of The Specials), and their debut live […]

JERRY DALMERS issues press statement re: death of legendary Jamaican trombonist RICO RODRIGUEZ
News

JERRY DALMERS issues press statement re: death of legendary Jamaican trombonist RICO RODRIGUEZ

September 6, 2015 XS Noize

RICO RODRIGUEZ Deceased 4th September 2015 An appreciation by Jerry Dammers, founder of The Specials and 2 Tone records. 5th September 2015. It’s hard to express how sad I feel about the death of Rico […]

LATEST PODCASTS

  • 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
    April 29, 2026
  • Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
    Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
    April 22, 2026

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