Robocobra Quartet & Fears

Improvisation and experimentation is at the core of Robocobra Quartet’s DNA, whether it be in the fluidity of their line-up (six musicians tagging in and out to make up the live touring quartet) or in their unique self-produced records which flirt with the likes of choral groups and string sections – almost intentionally at odds with their ostensible roots as a post-punk band.

Robocobra Quartet has a rule: “No Guitars Allowed”. Their unique sound, concocted and self-produced in Belfast, Northern Ireland sees that ‘middle’ space filled by other instruments such as saxophones, samplers, keyboards and sound effects swirling around the melodic basslines and powerful drum rhythms which prop up the core of each of their songs. On top of this music sits a single vocal from behind the drum kit amid a fury of rhythm, sometimes marrying perfectly with the pulse of the drums and occasionally at complete odds with it.

“A cunning marriage of jazz, spoken word, punk and avant-garde ”

The Quietus

Fears is Irish artist, musician and producer Constance Keane. Combining reflective electronics, acoustic samples, and haunting vocals with organic visuals, Fears invites the listener on an ethereal journey, blurring the boundaries between music and visual art. Her minimalist approach centres on emotive subjects, which are all-at-once deeply personal yet remarkably universal.

Fears has received acclaim across the world, with her music being covered by The Guardian, The Irish Times, The Sunday Times, Clash Magazine, i-D, DJ Mag Spain, Hot Press, Sunday Business Post, Irish Tatler, Noisey, Huck Magazine, BBC Arts, the Irish independent & Nialler9.

“Emotionally stirring, musically diverse and breathtakingly honest, ‘Oíche’ is a reflection on all that’s come and gone in the life of one of Ireland’s great creatives.”

– CLASH Magazine’s Top Albums of 2021