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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • KRAFTWERK
          News

          Electro Icons Kraftwerk Return: First UK Tour in Nearly a Decade – Belfast Waterfront Hall, May 18 2026

          October 3, 2025

          After recently completing a hugely successful worldwide concert tour including a festival-stealing appearance at Coachella, Kraftwerk legend Ralf Hütter is pleased to announce a new UK and Ireland tour for 2026, their first UK tour […]

          Huartan
          News

          Huartan Bring Award-Winning ‘Tradtronica’ Sound to Mandela Hall, Belfast – October 24th

          October 2, 2025

          Winners of the NI Music Prize 2024 Live Act of the Year, Belfast-based ‘tradtronica’ group Huartan have been breathing new life into ancient words and melodies. Since 2023, they have been captivating audiences with their […]

          tom smith
          News

          Editors’ Tom Smith Shares New Single “Leave” from Forthcoming Solo Debut Album

          October 1, 2025

          Editors front-person, Tom Smith, has today released “Leave”, the latest single from his forthcoming debut solo album, There Is Nothing In The Dark That Isn’t There In The Light which is released on Play It […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash - Ad Astra
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Ash – Ad Astra

          October 3, 2025

          Perennial 90’s power-pop heroes Ash return this autumn with their ninth studio album, Ad Astra. Now well into their fourth decade together, Tim Wheeler, Mark Hamilton and Rick McMurray continue to show that their knack […]

          Idlewild
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’

          October 3, 2025

          The band’s tenth album is their first self-titled release, and it just so happens to be a collection of songs that reflects their majestic, melodic beauty. For a band to reach a tenth record is […]

        • 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: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles Credit: Triffin Constantine
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Baroness Pay Tribute with Emotional Red & Blue Sets in Los Angeles

          September 22, 2025

          Sludge, prog, and post-metal band Baroness played an emotional set at Lodge Room in the Highland Park neighbourhood of Los Angeles on Saturday, September 20th. The night was one of remembrance, playing their first two […]

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate "Inertia" with High-Energy London Launch Show Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Pendulum Celebrate “Inertia” with High-Energy London Launch Show

          September 10, 2025

          To mark the release of their new album Inertia, Pendulum’s Rob Swire and Gareth McGrillen brought an electrifying DJ set to HERE at Outernet in London on September 5th. The Australian outfit has long been […]

        • 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// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square © Bernie McAllister
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Punk Spirit Burns Bright as SLF, PiL & Sham 69 Rock Custom House Square

          August 17, 2025

          Putting the Fast in Belfast 7 once again proved why it has become a staple of the city’s summer music calendar. A packed Custom House Square buzzed with anticipation as fans from across generations gathered […]

          IN FOCUS// Bryan Adams Brings Joy and Nostalgia to Leeds on ‘Roll With the Punches’ Tour Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Bryan Adams Brings Joy and Nostalgia to Leeds on ‘Roll With the Punches’ Tour

          May 20, 2025

          Legendary Canadian rocker Bryan Adams brought his unstoppable energy to Leeds on May 10th as part of his Roll With the Punches tour — and it was nothing short of a euphoric celebration of life, […]

  • Gigs
        • Hans Zimmer
          Gigs

          Hans Zimmer: The ultimate fan’s guide

          August 27, 2025

          Hans Zimmer, the genius behind Hollywood’s most unforgettable scores, is back on tour with an electrifying live experience to share with his fans. From “Inception” to “Dune”, Zimmer is preparing to transform his soundscapes into […]

          Andrea Bocelli
          Gigs

          The ultimate fans guide to seeing Andrea Bocelli in Amsterdam

          August 21, 2025

          The Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, will be at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on March 29 and 30, 2026. The show will feature a mix of operatic tracks, pop songs, and classical repertoire. Bocelli is […]

          Eros Ramazzotti
          Gigs

          Eros Ramazzotti: Dates, venues, tickets and more

          August 18, 2025

          To celebrate the 40th anniversary of his breakout single, “Una Storia Importante”, Eros Ramazzotti will be performing live on some of the grandest stages across Europe, Latin America, and North America. Ramazzotti is a world-renowned […]

  • Interviews
        • Asha Maclean
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Asha Maclean on Her Single “Yoga,” Creative Roots, and Staying True to Herself

          June 25, 2025

          Asha Maclean grew up in a deeply creative household, so it’s little surprise that she emerged as a multitalented artist in her own right. Immersed in music and dance from a young age, she first […]

          DURAN DURAN
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Roger Taylor on the Rhythm of Duran Duran: Hits, Influences & Life on the Road

          June 19, 2025

          John Kearns talks to Duran Duran –  The Duran Duran European summer tour is now in full swing. The DD truck has already rolled into cities such as Antwerp, Amsterdam and Rome and will continue […]

          Stephen Moore
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Stephen Moore on Post Death Soundtrack’s New Album & HE IS ME

          June 12, 2025

          Post Death Soundtrack, the musical project of Stephen Moore, recently unveiled his fifth album, IN ALL MY NIGHTMARES I AM ALONE, a 30-track collection of songs ranging across the stylistic spectrum, including rock, Gothic rock, […]

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

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

          October 1, 2025

          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, […]

          The Jacques
          Podcasts

          Finn O’Brien on The Jacques’ New Album “Make Repetition!” | XS Noize Podcast #247

          September 28, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube “Will would be proud of us, and he’d never have wanted his loss to stop us doing what we love.” — Finn O’Brien, […]

          Gary Numan
          Podcasts

          Gary Numan on “Telekon” at 45, Wembley Ghosts & His Glastonbury Debut | XS Noize Podcast #246

          September 24, 2025

          Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Podcasts | YouTube In Episode #246 of the XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar is joined by Gary Numan — one of electronic music’s true pioneers — for a powerful conversation marking the 45th […]

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VILLAGERS

Villagers
Podcasts

Exploring ‘That Golden Time’: An Interview with Conor O’Brien of Villagers

May 9, 2024 XS Noize

In Episode #177 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar speaks to award-winning Dublin singer-songwriter-instrumentalist-dramatist Conor O’Brien of Villagers about the new album That Golden Time. The exquisite new album unfurls Conor O’Brien’s trademark […]

Villagers
News

VILLAGERS share new song “I Want What I Don’t Need”

May 8, 2024 XS Noize

Ahead of the release of Villagers’ sixth album That Golden Time on Friday (May 10th), award-winning singer-songwriter-instrumentalist Conor O’Brien shares the new song “I Want What I Don’t Need”. Speaking about the song, Conor says: […]

Villagers
News

VILLAGERS share new single ‘You Lucky One’ from the forthcoming album ‘That Golden Time’

March 14, 2024 XS Noize

Today, Villagers share “You Lucky One”, the second single from the forthcoming sixth album That Golden Time – due May 10th. The exquisite new record unfurls award-winning Dublin singer-songwriter-instrumentalist-dramatist Conor O’Brien’s trademark melodic flair, his […]

Villagers
News

VILLAGERS announce new album ‘That Golden Time’ due May 10th 2024

January 17, 2024 XS Noize

Following the kaleidoscopic adventure of Villagers’ fifth album Fever Dreams, award-winning Dublin singer-songwriter-instrumentalist-dramatist Conor O’Brien returns with the intimate inventory That Golden Time, set for release on May 10th. The exquisite new album unfurls O’Brien’s […]

VILLAGERS unveil video for new track 'So Simpatico' - Watch Now!
Gigs

Open House Festival announce VILLAGERS headline show at Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Friday 19th August

February 28, 2022 XS Noize

Open House Festival is returning to Bangor Castle Walled Garden this year from 10th – 29th August. The format will be similar to last year with 20 nights of music, comedy, film & spoken word […]

Northern Irish artist Conchúr White announces his first ever headline tour
Gigs

Northern Irish artist Conchúr White announces his first ever headline tour

September 8, 2021 XS Noize

Northern Irish artist Conchúr White announces an extensive touring schedule, including full UK tours with Billie Marten, and Villagers, along with a headline stint in 2022. Hailing from County Armagh in Northern Ireland, Conchúr White […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Villagers - Fever Dreams
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Villagers – Fever Dreams

August 18, 2021 Michael Barron

When Villagers recorded their previous LP The Art of Pretending to Swim, frontman Conor O’Brien reflected on his addiction to constantly checking his mobile phone, extortionate rising house prices and being influenced by Ada Lovelace, […]

VILLAGERS unveil video for new track 'So Simpatico' - Watch Now!
Gigs

VILLAGERS unveil video for new track ‘So Simpatico’ – Watch Now!

July 1, 2021 XS Noize

As the release of Villagers’ fifth album Fever Dreams edges closer – due August 20th via Domino – Conor O’Brien is delighted to unveil the second song from the upcoming record. The new track, “So […]

Conchúr White releases The 'Dreamers' EP - Listen Now!
Gigs

Conchúr White releases The ‘Dreamers’ EP – Listen Now!

June 17, 2021 XS Noize

Northern Irish artist Conchúr White has released his stunning new EP ‘Dreamers’ There’s a dream-like surrealism in White’s musical storytelling which he delivers with an understated theatrical manner – with lyrical influences including the likes […]

Northern Irish artist Conchúr White releases video for new single 'Dreamers'
Gigs

Northern Irish artist Conchúr White releases video for new single ‘Dreamers’

May 19, 2021 XS Noize

Northern Irish artist Conchúr White today releases the title track from his recently announced ‘Dreamers’ EP, arriving alongside the announcement of a UK + Ireland tour with Villagers. The new single “Dreamers” follows lead single […]

VILLAGERS announce new album 'Fever Dreams' & headline show at Empire Music Hall, Belfast 1
Gigs

VILLAGERS announce new album ‘Fever Dreams’ & headline show at Empire Music Hall, Belfast

April 20, 2021 XS Noize

Today, Conor O’Brien is pleased to announce Villagers’ fifth studio album Fever Dreams which will be released on August 20th via Domino. Escapism is a very necessary pursuit right now, and Fever Dreams follows it […]

VILLAGERS announce The Sunday Walker EP - Listen Now
Gigs

VILLAGERS announce The Sunday Walker EP – Listen Now

November 4, 2019 XS Noize

As autumn draws in, Villagers are pleased to announce The Sunday Walker EP. The four tracks collected are primarily songs recorded around the time of The Art Of Pretending To Swim sessions – Conor O’Brien’s […]

SNOW PATROL: CONFIRM Northern Ireland tour dates
Playlists

XS Noize July 2019 PLAYLIST – Listen Now

August 8, 2019 Ben P Scott

The monthly XS Noize playlists on Spotify bring together the most essential new music of the last month that has been featured on the site. The July 2019 edition features tracks from: Iggy Pop, The […]

VILLAGERS share brand new single "Summer's Song" - Watch Video
Gigs

VILLAGERS share brand new single “Summer’s Song” – Watch Video

July 9, 2019 XS Noize

Villagers share a brand new single, “Summer’s Song”. Featuring a chorus of six flugelhorns, “ Summer’s Song” was written and produced by Conor O’Brien and mixed by the legendary Dave Fridmann (Tame Impala, Flaming Lips, […]

Irish Indie Folk Band VILLAGERS to Play at Bangor's Open House Festival 1
Gigs

Irish Indie Folk Band VILLAGERS to Play at Bangor’s Open House Festival

April 10, 2019 XS Noize

Irish indie folk band Villagers will play an intimate gig as part of this year’s Open House Festival Bangor. The concert will take place on Friday 23rd August in First Bangor church – a new venue for […]

XS Noize Best Albums of 2018
Round Up

XS Noize Best Albums of 2018

December 22, 2018 Ben P Scott

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 STREET LIGHTS COLLECTIVE ft Gary Lightbody + Bono release charity single for the homeless - Watch Video
News

THE STREET LIGHTS COLLECTIVE ft Gary Lightbody + Bono release charity single for the homeless – Watch Video

December 3, 2018 XS Noize

A host of Ireland’s musicians have joined forces as ‘Street Lights’ to create a single and album to generate funds for the most vulnerable, our homeless. Peter McVerry Trust, Simon Community Ireland and Focus Ireland […]

VILLAGERS Release fourth album 'The Art Of Pretending To Swim' on September 21st
News

VILLAGERS confirm Belfast show @ THE EMPIRE MUSIC HALL: Monday 10th December

August 28, 2018 XS Noize

Villagers confirm a show at Belfast’s famous EMPIRE MUSIC HALL, Monday 10th December. See ticket details below. Following the exquisitely sparse, intimate aura of 2015’s Darling Arithmetic, O’Brien’s new record reconnects with the multi-faceted approach […]

VILLAGERS Release fourth album 'The Art Of Pretending To Swim' on September 21st
News

VILLAGERS Release fourth album ‘The Art Of Pretending To Swim’ on September 21st

June 12, 2018 XS Noize

Always restless and inventive while always true to the power and glory of songwriting and melody, Conor O’Brien has made another great leap forward with Villagers’ fourth studio album, The Art Of Pretending To Swim, […]

VILLAGERS - To play Irish dates
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: VILLAGERS – WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE?

January 14, 2016 Ari Rosenschein

“Farewell to my only friend, you’ve been so good to me,” sings Conor O’Brien. These lyrics open Villagers’ new album, and in the wake of David Bowie’s sudden passing they assume an added poignancy. January […]

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