The only band this year whose album sleeve features a painting by a former muse of Picasso is an alt-rock quartet from Manchester who go by the name of Sylvette. But the fact that a celebrated artist’s work adorns their debut album is perhaps the least interesting thing about them, for Sylvette is an unusually ravishing proposition. They are the kind of act we don’t see very much of this far into the 21st-century, whose music practically unfolds in Cinemascope, and grips like a vice.
Sylvette is Charlie on guitar and vocals, Ashley Garrod on bass, Oz Tabor on violin, and Pete Leaver on drums. All are in their precociously early 20s, and they hail from across the UK. They first met a couple of years ago at music college in Manchester, and Manchester is where they have since settled. Each of them grew up as music obsessives, listening to everything from Neutral Milk Hotel to Radiohead to Jimi Hendrix to Shostakovich.
The band has already built up a loyal following throughout Manchester, based largely on word-of-mouth than online presence. Yes, they have an online presence too, but Sylvette isn’t really the kind of band you can fully appreciate on your phone. Their sound is panoramic. They have no manager, no record label. They are truly independent. The band recently released their debut album Waiting In The Bliss which you can check out below!
We managed to catch up with the band as they talk about their latest album and more!
How has the release of Rebirth gone down so far with fans?
Rebirth has been a favourite in our live set for just over a year, so it has been great to finally release it on record. We have had a great response from people who knew it before and from those who have never heard of us. I think Rebirth was a good single as it represents what we are as a band right now.
Can you tell something about the single no one else knows?
I wrote the first half of the song naked.
This is from your debut album Waiting in the Bliss, how has this gone down initially?
The response to our debut album has been brilliant. We’ve had so many messages from people who have seen us live over the last two years saying they love the album. It’s so nice to have something out there that really represents what we are and shows our different sides. People can now really know what Sylvette are about.
What is your favourite track from the album?
My favourite track from the album at the moment is ‘Mars Song’. I almost wrote it by accident because I wasn’t trying to write a song. I was just messing around with a Spanish guitar my friend lent me and then it kind of happened. It was a really refreshing way of writing.
So what’s the alternative scene like in Manchester at the moment?
There are a few brilliant alternative bands and solo artists in Manchester. It’s so exciting to see world class acts in tiny venues. I think in time they will get the attention they deserve. Artists like Bethlehem Casuals, Diving Station, No Talk and Bella Moth are all inspiring to be on the same scene with.
What is it like being picked up by the likes of Daily Express?
It was crazy to pick up a copy of the Daily Express in ASDA and find an article with us in it. It makes us feel like we are an actual band people will listen to and we aren’t just doing it for ourselves anymore. It’s really exciting to share finally share our music.
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Right now I would love to collaborate with ‘Boards Of Canada’ on a new song. We have been listening to a lot of their music recently and I’ve found it incredible. Their sonic detail is really inspiring, and I think we would learn so much if we wrote with them.
What was the first ever gig you went to?
The first gig I went to was ‘Joe Bonamassa’ at the Hammersmith Apollo. My parents took me because I was obsessed with learning guitar at that time. It’s not really my thing anymore but it blew my mind at the time!
What do you get up to in your spare time when not working on music?
To be honest we have very little time when we aren’t working on music but when we do we all have different hobbies. Pete is into exercise and martial arts, Charlie and Oz are into films and Ash loves gaming.