The XS Noize Podcast

• The Altered Hours: Cathal Mac Gabhann on Their Stunning New Self-Titled Album (#261)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by guitarist and songwriter Cathal Mac Gabhann from Cork alt-rock and shoegaze outfit The Altered Hours — one of Ireland's most vital underground bands. The Altered Hours released their self-titled third album on November 7th via Pizza Pizza Records. Recorded to tape by analogue producer Julie McLarnon (New Order, Lankum, Happy Mondays), the album captures the band at their most raw, warm, and emotionally direct. Formed in 2010, the band have carved out a unique place in the European alternative scene through two albums, a run of EPs, and a reputation for immersive, fuzz-drenched live shows. Their independent spirit has earned them admiration from peers and fans alike. Cathal discusses the band's evolution, the creative shift behind the new record, and how recording to tape has brought out their most dynamic sound yet. He also reflects on touring with Fontaines D.C., playing venues like The Bataclan and Alexandra Palace, and stepping in as their live guitarist across Japan and Australia. Now signed to Pizza Pizza Records, The Altered Hours step confidently into a new phase — honouring their psych-rock roots while pushing into bolder, more atmospheric territory. Listen to Cathal Mac Gabhann discuss the making of the new album, the journey behind it, and where The Altered Hours go next — exclusively on the XS Noize Podcast. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.    

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• Pearce Macca: The Clause's Rise and Debut Album "Victim of a Casual Thing" (#260)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Pearce Macca — frontman of Birmingham indie-rockers The Clause, a band whose rise has become one of the most inspiring new stories in modern British guitar music. The Clause have just unveiled their long-awaited debut album Victim of a Casual Thing — a record built on pure graft, unshakable friendship, and more than a decade of refusing to give in. What started in a cramped school practice room in 2011 — with Pearce Macca, Jonny Fyffe and Niall Fennell learning their favourite songs before Liam Deakin completed the line-up — has grown into a band with a fiercely loyal fanbase and a reputation for electrifying live shows. Pearce looks back on the full journey: the teenage beginnings, the countless setbacks, the near-misses, the belief that kept them going, and the breakthrough moments that finally pushed the band to album one. He reflects on the stories they've lived together — the wins, the losses, the friendships, the heartbreaks — and how those experiences became the emotional engine of Victim of a Casual Thing. We also dive into The Clause's rise on the live circuit, from sweatbox early gigs to lighting up festival crowds at Radio 1's Big Weekend, Isle of Wight, Truck, Tramlines, and Rock 'n' Roll Circus. And Pierce takes us inside the making of the album itself — the sound that defines The Clause, the writing and recording process, and why this record feels less like a finish line and more like the start of the real story. "We've done this the long way — but it's the right way. It's made us the band we are." – Pearce Macca Listen to Pearce Macca talk about the decade-long journey behind The Clause, the heart and honesty driving Victim of a Casual Thing, and the breakthrough moment they've been chasing — exclusively on the XS Noize Podcast. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here. New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.

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• Roland Gift: 40 Years of Fine Young Cannibals & New Christmas Single (#259)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Roland Gift — the iconic voice of Fine Young Cannibals and one of the most instantly recognisable singers in British music. With era-defining hits like "She Drives Me Crazy," "Good Thing," "Johnny Come Home," and their electrifying version of "Ever Fallen In Love," Fine Young Cannibals became global chart-toppers — selling over five million records and earning two BRIT Awards, an Ivor Novello, and three Grammy nominations. Their sharp, soulful sound continues to influence generations. Roland returns with two major releases — FYC40, a definitive 40-year anthology, and his brand-new festive single "Everybody Knows It's Christmas", showcasing that unmistakable voice in glorious form. Roland looks back on the band's beginnings, the explosive success of The Raw & The Cooked, and how his Otis Redding-inspired delivery fused with David Steele and Andy Cox's songwriting to create something completely unique. He also reflects on Fine Young Cannibals' continued cultural impact — including "She Drives Me Crazy" becoming the musical centrepiece of the 2025 Chanel campaign starring Dua Lipa and Jennie from BLACKPINK. We also talk about Roland's return to performing — touring with Jools Holland, shining at the 2022 Hootenanny, and his triumphant 40 Years of Songs tour, which launched with a sold-out London Palladium show. And we dive into "Everybody Knows It's Christmas" — a glam-rock, wall-of-sound celebration co-written with Ben Barson, full of warmth, nostalgia, and classic Roland soul. "Wherever you are I hope this song brings a bit of warmth, a smile, and maybe a bit of that Christmas magic your way." – Roland Gift Listen to Roland Gift discuss 40 years of Fine Young Cannibals, the making of FYC40, and the joy behind his new Christmas single — exclusively on the XS Noize Podcast. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here New episodes drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.

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• ALKY on Breaking the Cycle with His Debut Album 'Rinse & Repeat' (#258)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by ALKY — the Dublin-born indie-rock artist and former Emmy-nominated audio engineer whose raw, heartfelt songwriting is making serious waves across Ireland's indie scene. From his breakout singles "Dirty Tricks," "All Because of Love," "Perfect," and "How Do You?" to sold-out shows at Whelan's and The Workman's Club, ALKY has built a growing reputation for pairing widescreen anthems with brutally honest storytelling. Now, he's stepping into a defining new chapter with the release of his debut album Rinse & Repeat, a powerful exploration of addiction, love, and the endless cycles we fight to escape. In our conversation, ALKY talks about the messy truth behind his lyrics, his transition from studio engineer to full-time artist, and how facing his own patterns of self-destruction became the creative spark for the record. He opens up about sobriety, resilience, and why imperfection — both in music and in life — can be the most honest sound of all. We also dive into the making of standout tracks "All Because of Love," "How Do You?," "Perfect," and "Dirty Tricks," his experience coming up through Dublin's live circuit, and how Rinse & Repeat became a cathartic statement on falling, getting back up, and finding meaning in repetition. "I noticed I kept falling into the same destructive behaviours — the same chaos regarding alcohol and my relationship choices. Rinse & Repeat is a reflection of that cycle and putting it into songs." – ALKY Listen to ALKY discuss the making of his debut album Rinse & Repeat, addiction, love, and finding strength in repetition on the XS Noize Podcast. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including The Charlatans, Gary "Mani" Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here New episodes of the XS Noize Podcast drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.  

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• Martin Blunt: The Charlatans: Inside 'We Are Love' (#257)

  In this episode of the XS Noize Podcast, Mark Millar is joined by Martin Blunt — founding member and bassist of The Charlatans, one of Britain's most enduring and beloved bands. From their breakthrough with Some Friendly to the anthemic Tellin' Stories and the reflective Modern Nature, The Charlatans have spent more than three decades making music that moves between euphoria and heart. Now, with We Are Love, they've created a record that feels like a true celebration — warm, hopeful, and full of connection. Martin talks about the chemistry that's kept the band together, the highs and heartbreaks along the way, and how they still find joy in playing together after all these years. He also pays heartfelt tribute to the late Rob Collins and Jon Brookes, whose spirit and influence continue to guide the band's sound and soul. "If you gave us the being-in-a-band tick sheet, I think we've ticked quite a few of the boxes." – Martin Blunt Listen to the full episode and join Martin as he looks back on the band's story, the soul behind We Are Love, and why — after all this time — The Charlatans are still chasing that same spark that started it all. About The XS Noize Podcast With over 250 episodes to its name, the XS Noize Podcast has become a trusted home for music's legends and trailblazers — a space where real conversations meet real stories. Hosted by Mark Millar, the show has welcomed an extraordinary lineup including Gary 'Mani' Mounfield, Glen Matlock, Miles Kane, Matt Berninger, Saint Etienne, D:Ream, Gavin Rossdale, The Farm, Snow Patrol, John Lydon, Will Sergeant, Ocean Colour Scene, Gary Kemp, Doves, Gavin Friday, David Gray, Anton Newcombe, Peter Hook, Razorlight, Sananda Maitreya, James, Crowded House, Elbow, Cast, Kula Shaker, Shed Seven, Future Islands, Peter Frampton, Bernard Butler, Steven Wilson, Travis, New Order, The Killers, Tito Jackson, Simple Minds, The Divine Comedy, Shaun Ryder, Gary Numan, Sleaford Mods, and Michael Head — among many more. Explore the complete XS Noize Podcast archive here New episodes of the XS Noize Podcast drop weekly — subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the artists who shape our lives.

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