Robocobra Quartet

EFG London Jazz Festival presents Robocobra Quartet.

Experimentation is at the core of Robocobra Quartet, whether it be in the fluid line-up (musicians tagging in and out to make up the live touring quartet) or in their unique approach to recording and writing in their hometown of Belfast, N. Ireland.

These juxtapositions are just the beginning of the complex world of Robocobra Quartet - a band serious about their music but humorous in their approach, including members with no musical training alongside members with music conservatoire pedigree. The result is a collective of musicians inspired by Stravinsky and Dead Kennedys in equal measures.

On stage, the band are protons and electrons circling drummer-vocalist Chris W Ryan; meticulous arrangements and on-the-spot improvisations hang on every word spoken, sung and shouted by Ryan. These words and rhythms are what propel the music of Robocobra Quartet forward and concoct a sound that is powerful but cerebral too, invoking the likes of Fugazi, Black Midi and Tortoise.