La Ouache cover

La Ouache

Matmatah · 1998

48 min · 13 tracks · rock music

A vibrant blend of rock, folk, and Breton influences that captures the spirit of French musical diversity.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Emma — Emma stands out with its catchy melody and poignant lyrics that tell a story of longing and nostalgia, showcasing the band's narrative style.
  • →
    Lambé An Dro — This track merges traditional Breton dance rhythms with rock elements, exemplifying the band's unique fusion approach that distinguishes them in the genre.
  • →
    Derrière ton dos — The introspective lyrics and haunting melody create an emotional depth that resonates with listeners, representing the more serious tone of the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

64 /100
Treeline
Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album effectively merges rock with Breton influences, showcasing strong songwriting and engaging arrangements.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate traditional Breton instruments, creating a distinct regional sound that blends seamlessly with rock elements.
  • The lyrics often explore themes of identity and culture, with some songs featuring call-and-response vocal patterns that engage the listener.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • spirited, engaging rhythms
  • concise, vibrant listening sessions
  • uplifting melodic moments
  • dynamic emotional journeys

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1998, La Ouache was Matmatah's second album, following their successful debut, La Ouache. This album solidified their status in the French rock scene and showcased a maturation in their sound and lyrical depth.
Stylistic neighbors
Noir Désir· Les Wampas· Dionysos

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Anter-ouache / Ouache 3:34
  • 2 Emma 3:57
  • 3 Lambé An Dro 3:54
  • 4 Troglodyte 3:59
  • 5 Kerfautras 3:08
  • 6 Dernière journée en mer 4:11
  • 7 L'apologie 3:18
  • 8 La fille du Chat Noir 3:14
  • 9 An Den Coz 3:54
  • 10 Derrière ton dos 4:01
  • 11 Les moutons 3:48
  • 12 La complainte de Fanch 4:51
  • 13 Ribette's 2:27

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata