PLATES COUTURES (vinyl)

Description

In 1998, when Matmatah released its first album, La Ouache, the young band from Brest had no idea yet that the train had just started rolling and that once it was up to full speed, stops would be few and far between. Against all expectations, the Matmatah phenomenon quickly spread beyond Brittany, and the band established itself as a major force in French rock: records sold at a frantic pace, and tours were sold out. Lambé An Dro, Emma, Derrière ton dos, L'apologie were all new anthems for a generation not yet hit full force by the crisis. In 2001, Rebelote was released, brimming with classic rock influences. Artistically, the band began a radical turn and embraced it. Matmatah evolved, like the world around it. Benoît Fournier replaced Fanch on drums in 2003. The third album, Archie Kramer, marked a coming of age for Matmatah. After benefiting from the carefree spirit of its early years, the band now delivered more engaged messages. “The decadence of an America to be contemplated on Fox” evoked in Alzheimer still strangely resonates today... Matmatah continued on its path with a fourth album, La Cerise, released in 2007. But the long tour that followed heightened tensions and the band bowed out in 2008. Fade to black. On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of Matmatah’s creation, Eric, Benoît and Tristan looked back fondly and released, in 2015, the box set Antaology, offering numerous unreleased tracks, demos or live versions. The idea of a reunion then began to take shape. But for them, it was not simply a matter of hitting the road to play old songs. They had things to say. It was time to write again. Emmanuel Baroux, who had already accompanied Tristan Nihouarn on his solo tour, took over from Sammy on guitar. Matmatah set off in August 2016 for England, accompanied by Bruno Green, in charge of producing a new album. Within a few weeks, the old reflexes returned, the sense of urgency burst forth from the rhythm section, still made up of Eric Digaire and Benoît Fournier. Tristan Nihouarn’s voice, at times sharp, at times moving, had not changed. Quickly, eleven new tracks were recorded. While they officially announced their return to the stage in September, concert tickets were snapped up before they had even had time to mention any new album. They must have been expected... Plates coutures was mixed in October 2016 at ICP, Brussels, then mastered at Abbey Road, London. The result? A huge breath of fresh air at a time when the general atmosphere is filled with tension. In this toxic end-of-the-world atmosphere, Matmatah answers the ills with words.