From Obscurity to Global Sensation: Angine de Poitrine’s Meteoric Rise
In the ever-evolving landscape of the international music scene, a duo from Chicoutimi, Quebec, known as Angine de Poitrine, is experiencing a meteoric rise to fame. Their unique blend of extravagant costumes, an avant-garde, self-made microtonal guitar, and experimental math rock has captivated audiences worldwide. What began as a niche performance has, in a matter of weeks, transformed into a global phenomenon, propelling these two masked and anonymous artists to sudden and unexpected international recognition.
The catalyst for this extraordinary ascent was a performance filmed by the esteemed Seattle radio station, KEXP. This 30-minute session, captured during the group’s appearance at the Transmusicales de Rennes festival in December, has since accumulated millions of views. KEXP, a station renowned for its discerning musical taste and its proven ability to launch artists’ careers, released the video only recently. The impact has been nothing short of staggering.
The KEXP session has become one of the most viral videos in the channel’s history, amassing over 3.5 million views. This surge in popularity has had a dramatic effect on the duo’s online presence. Their YouTube channel, which boasted a modest 2,000 subscribers just five months prior, has since exploded to over 44,000 subscribers, a testament to their rapidly growing global fanbase.
A Sonic Tapestry Woven with Innovation
What immediately sets Angine de Poitrine apart is their unconventional approach to instrumentation. Khn, the guitarist, wields a unique double-neck microtonal guitar that he meticulously crafted himself. With the aid of a saw, he added extra frets to the instrument, creating a fret spacing that deviates significantly from standard guitar design. This handcrafted instrument unlocks a universe of sonic possibilities that a conventional electric guitar simply cannot replicate, allowing for intricate and otherworldly melodies.
The musical style of Angine de Poitrine is a fascinating and daring fusion. It’s an unlikely yet harmonious blend of math rock, jazz, progressive rock, and Dadaist improvisation. Their influences are as diverse as they are intriguing, drawing comparisons to luminaries such as Frank Zappa, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Rush, Primus, and even the classical composer Maurice Ravel. The duo’s entirely instrumental compositions are deeply informed by Japanese and Indian musical traditions. Klek, the drummer, has masterfully integrated these influences into their microtonal approach, alongside elements of Turkish rock and the evocative gamelan sounds once explored by King Crimson.
The intricate and unconventional nature of their music has not gone unnoticed by the online world. YouTubers with substantial followings are now dedicating videos to dissecting their peculiar soundscapes, while guitar aficionados are meticulously analysing Khn’s technical prowess. Esteemed media outlets, such as Les Inrockuptibles, have also begun dedicating features to this captivating phenomenon.
Sold-Out Shows and Global Ambitions
The rapid online buzz surrounding Angine de Poitrine has swiftly translated into tangible commercial success. Since last autumn, the duo has secured representation from booking agencies in key international markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and English Canada. Their upcoming performances are already generating immense demand. Two shows scheduled for September in New York City, at the 600-seat venue Le Poisson Rouge, are completely sold out, with the second show selling out in a mere minute.
Beyond their New York dates, Angine de Poitrine has a packed international schedule. Concerts are planned across England, Portugal, Asia, and throughout English Canada. Closer to home, in Quebec, many of their concerts have also sold out, including at least three dates in Montreal. Their next performance in Montreal is slated for April 3rd at Club Soda, which will also serve as the launch event for the group’s highly anticipated second album. This rapid ascent from local performers to international headliners underscores the powerful, and often unpredictable, reach of music in the digital age.
