Review: Sylbat - Mara (2008)

Sylbàt was formed in autumn 2006 after being commissioned for a piece by the Roué Waroch festival.

The band is made up of four musicians:

Clotilde Trouillaud is a renowned harpist and has played in other groups (Zim Zim, trio de harpes fileuses de Nuit) and with Sylbàt she has switched to playing the electroharp.

Patrick Boileau is the drummer and was the founder of avant-rock/zeuhl band Xaal (also featured in PA) and has since played in various other lineups (Alain Genty groupe, Gérard Delahaye, Louis-Jacques Suignard).

Hilaire Rama is the basist and before joining Sylbàt has played with various other bands and musicians (Gaby Blues Band et Tequila, Félix Théfaine, Alan Stivell et Melaine Favennec, Taïfa, Skeduz)

Hélène Brunet played the guitars in the band and loves and is inspired by Breton, Irish and flamenco music as well as blues. She played electric guitar and a 12 string Spanish guitar. She to has played with other musicians (accordionist Yann-Fanch Perroches, Jean Félix Lalanne, Scottish harpiste Mary Macmaster).

The fifth piece in this band is the soundman José Nédélec.

The band says their sound is influenced by bands such as Mahavishnu Orchestra, King Crimson and Weather Report along with touches of celtic music.