music
‘We’re not Lady Gaga and Elton John’: unmasking Angine de Poitrine, the year’s buzziest, dottiest band
Their microtonal rock has been a huge viral hit – but are they really 333-year-old aliens inspired by Borneo monkeys? The Quebecois duo tell all
TL;DR
- Angine de Poitrine replaced their soggy papier-mâché masks, ensuring the new ones retained a lived-in appearance to match their established persona.
- The duo, Khn and Klek, maintain a mysterious image, often performing in full regalia and using an interpreter, but appeared in regular clothes for the interview, speaking English from their Quebec homes.
- Their music features microtonal musicianship, described as playing 'the notes between the notes,' and intricate drumming, drawing comparisons to artists like Frank Zappa and King Gizzard.
- Formed in 2019, the band rejected attempts to unmask them and developed a rich backstory inspired by time travel and Borneo monkeys, which fans have embraced.
- Khn and Klek met as teenagers in Saguenay, Quebec, and their long-standing musical collaboration evolved from improvisational jamming in basements.
- The band's aesthetic, including the polka-dotted masks, was developed organically through DIY methods and a desire for humorous, slightly absurd presentation.
- Despite viral success, they downplay the hype, emphasizing that their music is for enjoyment and not life-altering, and they value the fan-generated lore.
- They are inspired by bands like King Gizzard and the Residents, and their creative process involves improvising and building upon initial musical ideas.
- Angine de Poitrine records and creates videos at the Centre d’Expérimentation Musicale in Chicoutimi and have day jobs, rejecting any notion of using artificial schemes for fame.
- The pressure of live performances and audience anticipation is significant, but the duo prioritizes the raw, human connection and the fun of their craft.