Matmatah

Formed in Brest in 1995, Matmatah came together as a quartet blending French rock, folk and Breton references without confining themselves to a purely Celtic register. Initially rooted in the local scene and live shows across Brittany, the band quickly broadened its audience with La Ouache (1998), which includes the track Lambé An Dro, and continued with Rebelote (2001) and Archie Kramer (2004). Matmatah’s repertoire pairs electric guitars with acoustic melodies and French-language lyrics, striking a balance between rock energy, storytelling, humour and social observation, often drawing imagery from Brest and the coastline. After splitting up in the late 2000s, the group reformed in 2016, resumed performing and released Plates Coutures (2017) followed by Miscellanées Bissextiles (2023). The comeback is presented as continuity rather than nostalgic reworking, maintaining a rock-centred sound and tighter songwriting. Matmatah thus remains tied to venues, festivals and a Brest identity that runs through their whole career.