Just when you thought you had figured out your favourites from within the new breed of Irish musicians storming the airwaves, along comes another smorgasboard of brand spankin’ new talent to totally confuse things. Not that we’re complaining, of course. It is, in fact, nights like the IMRO showcase that remind us how effervescent, vibrant and almighty the Irish scene is and shall be for some time to come.

Jumpstarting proceedings are Red Twelve, a band with so much raw anger, noise and appeal, they succinctly embody the whole spirit of the showcase tour. Frontman Ciaran Boylan has an arresting voice and presence, giving those of the audience who came early more than their quids worth. The Hooks are up next, rising to the challenge of maintaining the momentum. Theirs is a watertight set, and they’re a good-looking crew who seem like they’re having a great time performing. Following them are The Riffs, a band so young, noisy and boisterous that theirs is a name that will no doubt cross the lips of many a fan and critic in the coming months.

Having made something of a name for themselves already, La Rocca lend a slightly weightier tone to the event. Many of the audience are familiar with their set, and their place on the Wet Clay would appear to be wholly deserved. As for The Things…well, they’re fast becoming an A&R person’s wet dream with no less an authoritiy than Alan McGee declaring himself a huge fan. You can see where he’s coming from – singer James Cullen is a man possessed of Iggy-like energy levels, writhing like an electric eel as the band play music infused with the spirit of The Cramps and Jon Spencer. Label follow their maniacal set, tending to the hyped up audience with a comforting helping of stodgy, solid rawk. They appear to be something of a band’s band, and with their pounding set, it’s easy to see why.

Special guests Turn take to the stage, though theirs is not so much a showcase performance as a homecoming. Having spent much of their career chasing success and recognition that perennially seemed to elude them, Turn’s ongoing resilience and relentlessly enthusiastic performances are a source of inspiration to many of these bands. After their performance, Rulers Of The Planet give the flagging Dublin audience a boost they have been administering to unsuspecting hordes of Cork gig-goers for some time. Dubliners Hi:Rise, meanwhile, wind down the extravaganza perfectly with their groovy and super stylish lounge/electronic repertoire.

It’s refreshingly pleasant to watch sets by bands that seem so thrilled and honoured to be playing on a decent stage in front of a healthy-sized audience. For those of us who simply cannot wait until Witnness for a short sharp shock of a variety of acts, this was the perfect way to keep hunger at bay a few weeks longer. Be sure to catch up on these acts soon… before everyone is dropping their names and they’re big enough to sell out the Village on their own.