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

Villagers
Podcast

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 […]

Posts pagination

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LATEST PODCASTS

  • robert arkins - the commitments
    Robert Arkins on The Commitments, Jimmy Rabbitte and Life After the Film | XS Noize Podcast #286
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  • 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
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  • Broken Social Scene on 'Remember The Humans,' grief and why music still saves people | XS Noize Podcast #284
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    Glen Hansard on ‘Transmissions East’, Bob Dylan and a Record That Isn’t Looking Back | XS Noize Podcast #282
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    Miles Hunt on 40 years of The Wonder Stuff, burnout, Vent 414 and starting over | XS Noize Podcast #281
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