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  • INTERVIEW: M the Myth on ‘Pin-Up Boy,’ Social Media Insights & 2025 Plans
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  • INHALER announce new album ‘Open Wide’ & biggest ever UK tour
  • BBC2 to Celebrate The Cure’s New Album ‘Songs of a Lost World’ with a Special Evening of Programming
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XS Noize | Independent Music News
  • News
        • Kaiser Chiefs
          Gigs

          Kaiser Chiefs announce 2025 UK outdoor shows to celebrate 20 years of ‘Employment’

          November 1, 2024

          After announcing a massive hometown show at Leeds’ Temple Newsam Park for May 2025, to celebrate 20 years of their iconic debut album Employment, Yorkshire indie icons Kaiser Chiefs announce further 20th anniversary celebration shows […]

          INHALER 
          News

          INHALER announce new album ‘Open Wide’ & biggest ever UK tour

          November 1, 2024

          INHALER has today announced details of their new album alongside their biggest-ever UK tour and a string of dates in Europe and Asia. The Dublin four-piece will release their third album, ‘Open Wide,’ on February 7th via Polydor […]

          IN FOCUS// The Cure at The SSE Arena Belfast
          News

          BBC2 to Celebrate The Cure’s New Album ‘Songs of a Lost World’ with a Special Evening of Programming

          November 1, 2024

          THE CURE’s long-awaited, critically acclaimed new album, SONGS OF A LOST WORLD, their first new release in 16 years, is out now. The band will be performing their only scheduled show of the year tonight […]

  • Reviews
        • Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Cure - Songs of a Lost World
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: The Cure – Songs of a Lost World

          October 25, 2024

          After a sixteen-year wait, Songs of a Lost World, The Cure’s highly anticipated fourteenth studio album, has finally arrived. Rumours about the release date began circulating as far back as 2018, a testament to frontman […]

          Amyl and The Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness
          Album Reviews

          ALBUM REVIEW: Amyl and The Sniffers – Cartoon Darkness

          October 24, 2024

          Honest – perhaps the best way to define this Melbourne four-piece, which grew from the city’s pub-rock scene. There’s no flannel, no pretences, just good old-fashioned, down-to-earth music and attitude. In this overly antiseptic world, […]

        • 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: Dhani Harrison at EartH, London
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Dhani Harrison at EartH, London

          October 24, 2024

          Anticipation was high when Dhani Harrison released his debut album IN///PARALLEL in 2017. Prior to that, he had already established himself as a thoughtful and accomplished musician through his work with bands like The New […]

          Crowded House
          Live Reviews

          LIVE REVIEW: Crowded House at O2 Arena, London

          October 12, 2024

          Crowded House has been remarkably prolific in recent years, with a quarter of their albums released in the 2020s—a striking feat for a band that first formed in 1985. This makes sense, given the band’s […]

        • 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// The Waeve at Village Underground, London Credit: Denise Esposito
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// The Waeve at Village Underground, London

          November 1, 2024

          On October 29, 2024, The Waeve (Graham Coxon and Rose Elinor Dougall) performed a sold-out show at London’s Village Underground. This concert marked their largest headline performance to date, celebrating the release of their second […]

          IN FOCUS// Lacuna Coil at Rock City, Nottingham Credit: Alina Salihbekova
          IN FOCUS

          IN FOCUS// Lacuna Coil at Rock City, Nottingham

          October 31, 2024

          Italian gothic metal band Lacuna Coil delivered an electrifying performance at Rock City in Nottingham just days before Halloween, setting the perfect tone for the spooky season. The band’s dynamic vocal duo—Cristina Scabbia and Andrea […]

  • Gigs
        • Kaiser Chiefs
          Gigs

          Kaiser Chiefs announce 2025 UK outdoor shows to celebrate 20 years of ‘Employment’

          November 1, 2024

          After announcing a massive hometown show at Leeds’ Temple Newsam Park for May 2025, to celebrate 20 years of their iconic debut album Employment, Yorkshire indie icons Kaiser Chiefs announce further 20th anniversary celebration shows […]

          The Horrors
          Gigs

          To mark Halloween, The Horrors release new track ‘Trial By Fire’

          October 31, 2024

          To mark Halloween, The Horrors today release ‘Trial By Fire’, the second track to be taken from their recently announced sixth studio album ‘Night Life’, out March 21st via Fiction Records. The band will play […]

          Scissor Sisters
          Gigs

          Scissor Sisters Return To Celebrate The 20th Anniversary Of Their No.1 Album ‘Scissor Sisters’

          October 31, 2024

          The long-awaited reunion that fans have been clamouring for is here: Scissor Sisters are back and readying their first live shows in over 12 years. 2024 marks the 20-year anniversary of the band’s debut album […]

  • Interviews
        • M the Myth
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: M the Myth on ‘Pin-Up Boy,’ Social Media Insights & 2025 Plans

          November 1, 2024

          M the Myth is someone not afraid to break boundaries. An artist who identifies as trans-non-binary, both they and their music represent what it means to be unashamedly yourself. Myth’s music serves as a mouthpiece […]

          KiKi Holli
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: KiKi Holli Discusses Her New Single ‘WIN U OVER’

          October 21, 2024

          Los Angeles-based, multi-faceted pop singer-songwriter KiKi Holli recently released her new single, “WIN U OVER,” a contagious Nu Disco track produced by Grammy-nominated Ethan Allen. “WIN U OVER” follows on the heels of Holli’s dance […]

          Hana Giraldo
          Interviews

          INTERVIEW: Hana Giraldo Talks ‘Reputation’, Artistic Influences & Social Media

          September 20, 2024

          They say talent often runs in the family, for Hana Giraldo, that has undoubtedly proven to be true. As the daughter of iconic musicians Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, Hana has carved her path in […]

  • Podcast
        • Into the Depths: Sister Ghost Discusses the Creation of 'Beyond the Water'
          Podcasts

          Into the Depths: Sister Ghost Discusses the Creation of ‘Beyond the Water’

          October 30, 2024

          In Episode #198 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Irish artist Sister Ghost about her long-awaited debut album, Beyond The Water. Recorded in Los Angeles in the summer of 2022 with producer […]

          Wendy James
          Podcasts

          Shaping the Past and Future: Wendy James on Her New Album ‘The Shape of History’

          October 23, 2024

          In Episode #197 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Wendy James about her new album, The Shape Of History. English singer-songwriter Wendy James burst onto the British music scene in 1988 as […]

          Unveiling Ecce Homo: Gavin Friday on Music, Art, and Self-Expression
          Podcasts

          Gavin Friday Unveils the Creative Journey Behind His New Album ‘Ecce Homo’

          October 16, 2024

          In Episode #196 of The XS Noize Podcast, host Mark Millar interviews Irish renaissance man Gavin Friday about his highly anticipated new solo album Ecce Homo out 25th October. The new album – produced by […]

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  • Michaelbarron

Articles by Michael Barron

Xsnoize Author
Michael Barron
Michael first began writing whilst studying at university; reviewing the latest releases and live gigs. He has since contributed to the Fortean Times as well as other publications. Michael’s musical tastes vary from Indie to psychedelic, folk and dubstep.
Website
LIVE REVIEW: Dhani Harrison at EartH, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Dhani Harrison at EartH, London

October 24, 2024 Michael Barron

Anticipation was high when Dhani Harrison released his debut album IN///PARALLEL in 2017. Prior to that, he had already established himself as a thoughtful and accomplished musician through his work with bands like The New […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Bastille “&” (Ampersand)
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bastille – “&”

October 23, 2024 Michael Barron

Bastille’s fifth LP, &, is an ambitious concept album that revolves around the theme of a “collection of story songs” inspired by extraordinary historical and fictional figures. The lineup includes renowned personalities such as the […]

Crowded House
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Crowded House at O2 Arena, London

October 12, 2024 Michael Barron

Crowded House has been remarkably prolific in recent years, with a quarter of their albums released in the 2020s—a striking feat for a band that first formed in 1985. This makes sense, given the band’s […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Desperate Journalist - No Hero
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Desperate Journalist – No Hero

September 26, 2024 Michael Barron

Desperate Journalist’s fifth album, No Hero, marks a shift in their creative approach, led by guitarist Rob Hardy and vocalist Jo Bevan’s collaborative experimentation with a Behringer Poly D synth. Hardy wrote demos in isolation on […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Maxïmo Park - Stream of Life
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Maxïmo Park – Stream of Life

September 23, 2024 Michael Barron

Maxïmo Park’s eighth studio album, Stream of Life, follows their 2021 release Nature Always Wins, which proved that, after two decades together, the Newcastle-upon-Tyne band could still captivate audiences. Stream of Life draws inspiration from […]

Snow Patrol
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Snow Patrol at Koko, London

September 12, 2024 Michael Barron

Snow Patrol, a band more accustomed to filling 20,000-capacity venues like London’s O2 Arena, treated fans to an intimate performance at the 1,500-capacity Koko—a refurbished gem in Camden, London, that reopened in 2022. The venue’s […]

Snow Patrol - The Forest Is the Path
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Snow Patrol – The Forest Is the Path

September 9, 2024 Michael Barron

In 2006, Snow Patrol’s fourth LP, Eyes Open, became the UK’s best-selling album of the year. Their enduring success lies in their ability to evolve from a raw indie sound into a more polished, commercially […]

LIVE REVIEW: Death Cab for Cutie & The Postal Service at All Points East
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Death Cab for Cutie & The Postal Service at All Points East

August 27, 2024 Michael Barron

This year’s All Points East delivered a series of spectacular moments, starting with producer Kaytranada, who captivated the audience with his hits, including Victoria Monet’s “Alright.” The festival hit a triple high with three standout […]

LIVE REVIEW: LCD Soundsystem at All Points East, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: LCD Soundsystem at All Points East, London

August 26, 2024 Michael Barron

All Points East has consistently brought top-tier music to the East End of London, with past headliners like Nick Cave and The Strokes. In 2024, the festival kicked off with an electrifying performance by producer […]

Taylor Swift
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW Taylor Swift at Wembley Stadium, London

August 18, 2024 Michael Barron

It’s safe to say that almost everyone knows who Taylor Swift is. While she has dabbled in acting and appeared in blockbuster films, her primary identity is that of a singer-songwriter. Media coverage of Swift […]

LIVE REVIEW: Stevie Nicks at BST Hyde Park, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Stevie Nicks at BST Hyde Park, London

July 14, 2024 Michael Barron

This year’s British Summertime series has been an impressive spectacle. Kings of Leon delivered a set filled with their biggest hits, while Robbie Williams, accompanied by special guests like Gaz Coombes and a 44-piece brass […]

LIVE REVIEW: Robbie Williams at BST Hyde Park, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Robbie Williams at BST Hyde Park, London

July 7, 2024 Michael Barron

Robbie Williams’ return to the British Summertime Hyde Park five years after his first 65,000-capacity sell-out show was another resounding success. With support acts including Gaz Coombes and Seal, the evening promised to be, as […]

Anohni and the Johnsons at Barbican Centre, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Anohni and the Johnsons at Barbican Centre, London

July 3, 2024 Michael Barron

Anohni and the Johnsons first captured widespread attention when they won the 2005 Mercury Music Prize, surpassing notable contenders like Seth Lakeman. Classified under genres such as art pop, chamber pop, and avant-pop, Anohni and […]

KINGS OF LEON
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Kings of Leon at BST, Hyde Park, London

July 1, 2024 Michael Barron

Following a seven-year hiatus, Kings of Leon returned to headline the British Summertime Hyde Park festival. 2017, the main support acts were Pixies and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats. This time, Paulo Nutini and […]

LIVE REVIEW: Chaka Khan & Nu Civilisation Orchestra at Meltdown Festival Credit: Jasper Watkins
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Chaka Khan & Nu Civilisation Orchestra at Meltdown Festival

June 24, 2024 Michael Barron

Over her fifty-year career in music, Chaka Khan has proven herself to be a musical pioneer. She won a Grammy Award as part of Rufus and became the first R&B artist to have a crossover […]

LIVE REVIEW: Lady Blackbird at Meltdown Festival, Royal Festival Hall
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Lady Blackbird at Meltdown Festival, Royal Festival Hall

June 22, 2024 Michael Barron

When Chaka Khan curated this year’s Meltdown Festival lineup, Lady Blackbird, also known as Marley Munroe, must have been a standout choice. Omitting an artist often compared to Billie Holiday and Nina Simone, and dubbed […]

LIVE REVIEW: Incognito at Meltdown Festival, Southbank Centre
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Incognito at Meltdown Festival, Southbank Centre

June 21, 2024 Michael Barron

The beloved Southbank Centre Meltdown annual festival has returned, featuring a lineup that includes the iconic acid jazz band Incognito, celebrating their 45th anniversary. Cofounder Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick leads the band, whose illustrious career spans […]

The Zombies at Barbican Centre, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: The Zombies at Barbican Centre, London

June 10, 2024 Michael Barron

This show commemorated 60 years since the St Albans-formed band began recording at the then-Decca Studios in West Hampstead in 1964. This achievement is remarkable, especially considering The Zombies amicably split in 1967, believing they […]

ALBUM REVIEW: Bat for Lashes - The Dream of Delphi
Album Reviews

ALBUM REVIEW: Bat for Lashes – The Dream of Delphi

May 28, 2024 Michael Barron

Bat for Lashes, the musical project of Natasha Khan, began as a personal refuge during her time working at a card-packing factory after completing her A-levels. Her latest LP, The Dream of Delphi, is particularly […]

LIVE REVIEW: Arab Strap at Koko, London
Live Reviews

LIVE REVIEW: Arab Strap at Koko, London

May 27, 2024 Michael Barron

Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road was revolutionary when it was released in 1957 because it discussed taboo themes few authors of the time dared to explore. Similarly, Arab Strap’s notoriety, as one journalist put […]

Posts pagination

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