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A proud tradition of bands donning barmy masks ranges from the Residents’ papier-mache big eyes to Slipknot’s gimp ensembles, but Angine de Poitrine’s Quebec polka-dot costumes might just take the biscuit. Double-neck guitarist/bassist Khn de Poitrine sports a large pyramid head with a long Pinocchio-like nose. Drummer Klek de Poitrine’s oversized head makes him look like Monty Python’s Black Knight, but with his proboscis moving around while he plays, with a small golden pyramid on top. The stage, drum kit, stalls and several fans also have polka dots. One highly motivated group has arrived at the creation of Klek’s golden pyramids.
If it seems strange, it is. Although the group was formed in 2019 and has been together for a long time, Angine de Poitrine went viral earlier this year when a US radio station published it. video of the two perform at a French festival. The UK premiere was sold out – as were several of the autumn’s biggest shows – and the madcap duo were greeted as conquering heroes before they even started to perform. Before even coming on stage, fans are taking pictures of Khn’s complex pedal board setup.
Surprisingly, their music is as unusual as their clothes: strangely hypnotic, a hybrid of mathematical rock, prog rock, punk, repetitive music, microtonal loops and twiddly guitar bits, and musical themes like Sarniezz and Utzp. In some cases, they erupt into a solid outer rock. There is no such singing, but sometimes they make a strange “wooo” or “oggy oggy oggy” sound in the machine.
While one has to admire horror songs that produce such tight vocals – never mind wearing those costumes – the secret to their success is that in the dark moments they’re just ridiculously fun. At many events, the band and the audience make a pyramid-like shape with their hands in appreciation; sometimes everyone jumps up and down in unison. After the crazy story of the Sherpa whipping everything up to its craziest peak, everyone leaves with a sad face and a little pyramid in their heart.
