Last Thursday in the Kasbah Social Club of Dolans Limerick rising local act 50 Foot Woman and Belfast’s Robocobra Quartet served up an eclectic double musical treat.

They maybe a youthful bunch but Limerick’s freshest young band 50 Foot Woman certainly pack a powerful punch. Following in the footsteps of PowPig they are one of a growing number of promising acts emerging from the Music Generation programme in Limerick, and much like their forerunners, their set is one built on high energy, winsome rapport and engaging power punk tunes.

The quartet are fronted by impressive vocalist Hazel Chappell, with Ben McNamara belting out raw riffs on guitar, Amy Roys (drums), whilst Eoin Ryan not only delivers glorious bass lines, but also plays the linchpin of the group between songs delivering plenty of witty banter.

When the Bombs Fall and their debut release Fashion Statement are highlights of this impressive set. Closing with a gritty trio of tracks, Fuck Face, Polka Dot Dress and their stonking new single Glen Danzig – they may be the new young kids on the block but 50 Foot Woman are certainly ones to watch.

Robocobra Quartet who are showcasing their latest long player ‘Living Isn’t Easy’ which was released earlier this year and focuses on the anxiety associated with modern life. They are a band that are certainly hard to pigeonhole, post punk jazz fusion being as close as one might get.

In fact they might just be the most Lynchian band there’s ever been, but Chris Ryan’s outfit are instantly compelling with their playing weaving expertly between exquisite precision and musical chaos. Ryan on drums & vocals is prophet-like in his utterances, not quite singing but more recanting hypnotic mantras set to an undulating maelstrom provided by this hugely talented collective. Ryan Burrowes in particular plays a starring role, his bass guitar setup is nothing like I’ve seen before, played for the most part as a quasi-lead and providing endless absolutely delicious reverb heavy licks.

And for all the musical intensity and the lyrically heavy tunes on tracks such as Wellness, Chroma Sud and Heaven, they are still quite a playful and engaging group, Ryan providing plenty of self deprecating moments. It’s a combination that really works and they delver a hugely enjoyable set that flashes by.

Post punk art rock jazz might not be the most inviting sobriquet for some but on the basis of this performance you would do very well to get to one of the many dates that Robocobra Quartet are playing on their extensive Irish and European tour.

Photo: Robocobra Quartet at The Grand Social by Nicholas O’Donnell.