Angine de Poitrine – Vol. II – soundsfromthedarkside

Unfortunately, you have to believe the hype.

To say I’m not particularly fond of hypes would be quite an understatement. In fact, I hate them and generally do my best to ignore them. This spring, however, my resistance was put to the test by Angine de Poitrine, a rather peculiar duo from Canada who went completely viral following a performance for KEXP. The YouTube footage of this gig attracted millions of views, which is quite surprising considering the band’s very alternative approach which contains math rock with elements jazz, psychedelia, progressive rock and various East-Asian rhythms.

Angine de Poitrine are an anonymous duo who go by the aliases Khn (guitar and bass) and Klek (drums). They claim to be 333-year-old extraterrestrial time travellers, performing in black-and-white polka-dot outfits and oversized papier-mâché masks. But come on, dressing up like The Residents or Daft Punk while playing music that bands like Lightning Bolt and Horse Lords have already explored? Haven’t we heard and seen all this before? So, for me the great ignoring began, and for a while I was doing a pretty good job. Unfortunately, the YouTube algorithm kept pushing these weirdos onto my screen and slowly I clicked with the compelling rhythms and now I have to believe the hype.

Their second album, conveniently titled Vol. II, contains six instrumental tracks that takes about 37 minutes to complete. The music is full of complex rhythms, unusual guitar sounds and catchy loops, but never feels like the duo are simply showing off their technical skills. Angine de Poitrine’s most strong point is the smart constructed groove which serves as the foundation for all the musical madness. Opening track Fabienk immediately draws you in with its hypnotic rhythms, while Mata Zyklek and Sarniezz are packed with sharp guitar riffs and unexpected twists. The duo’s interplay is extremely tight as they constantly change the direction of the music.

There is also a wonderful sense of humour running through the album. Utzp, for example, starts with an almost comical polka-like beat before gradually building into a wild mix of guitar patterns and energetic drumming. Just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s heading, the music takes another unexpected turn, shifting into a catchy groove. Yor Zarad, meanwhile, takes things in a heavier direction, with strong riffs and powerful drums. Again it all feels chaotic as it seems all kinds of genres play at the same time. But as a listener the trick is to look for the underlying groove, focus and hear that the duo manages to perfectly piece everything together. Of course, this sort of music is not for everyone. If you like your music structured and easy going it is best you look elsewhere.

So, does Angine de Poitrine really live up to all the hype? Yes, although they’re not quite as revolutionary as the internet makes of them. I mean why should these lads play dress up? Anyway, what makes Vol. II so impressive is how effortlessly the duo turn strange musical ideas into a fun listen. Are you still sitting on your high horse? Get off it and give this one a listen.

Label: Spectacles Bonzaï / ATO Records, 2026

Buy it here: https://intl.anginedepoitrine.com/

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