Angine de Poitrine: The Dadaist Duo Redefining Rock with Mesmerising Finesse
Angine de Poitrine: Dadaist Duo's Mesmerising Rock Revolution

Angine de Poitrine: The Dadaist Duo Redefining Rock with Mesmerising Finesse

In 2023, two young men from Saguenay, Quebec, began what they describe as "a joke that spilled into reality." Their identities remain a jealously guarded secret, but their musical project, Angine de Poitrine, has quickly gained hype for its unique blend of shredding metal, microtonal flourishes, and Dalek-style vocals. The duo, weary of the solemn aura often attached to guitar rock, crafted a sound they call "mantra-rock dada pythago-cubiste," delivering it with mesmerising finesse that matches the oddness of their costumes.

The Mysterious Musicians Behind the Masks

Khn, the alien guitar virtuoso, lives an absurdist guitar-hero dream with a twin neck microtonal lead-and-bass, weaving lines together using elaborate live-looping pedals. His face is hidden behind a priapically long nose, adding to the surreal aesthetic. In contrast, Klek is a "stoic" labourer at the drum kit, sporting a drooping, disappointed-looking proboscis. The pair perform facing each other in yin-yang polka dot robes, complemented by handmade papier-mache headdresses that evoke the spirit of the original Cabaret Voltaire, highlighting the dadaist influences in their brand.

A Sonic Landscape of Surprises and Oddities

The music of Angine de Poitrine is as unconventional as their appearance. While shredding metal forms a core element, the duo incorporates unexpected microtonal flourishes reminiscent of James "Blood" Ulmer's harmolodics, as heard on tracks like "Fabienk." Other songs explore distinct north African vibes on "Mata Zyklek" and klezmer influences on "UTZP." Occasional vocals, described as mumbly Daleks, add to the eccentricity, but the focus is on hypnotic riffs and grooves with proggy time shifts, creating a lockstep rhythm that makes their sound both party music and progressive rock.

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Upcoming Releases and Tour Dates

Fans of Holy Fuck, Prescott, and King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard will find much to appreciate in Angine de Poitrine's approach. The duo is set to release their new LP, "Angine de Poitrine Volume II," on 3 April, followed by a UK tour in May. This hyped anonymous group continues to push boundaries, proving that rock music can be both playful and profound.

This Week's Best New Tracks: A Diverse Musical Selection

In other music news, this week's best new tracks offer a wide range of sounds. Jawnino's "Mattress" (ft Deer Park) is hailed as a potential rap standout for 2026, featuring a threatening cloud-rap beat and a perfectly weighted hook. Olof Dreijer, formerly of the Knife, announces his solo debut with "Echoed Dafnino" (ft MaMan), a zippy Technicolor club banger. Kacey Musgraves returns to form with "Dry Spell," a filigreed two-stepper about a sex drought, while Mei Semones charms with "Tooth Fairy" (ft John Roseboro), a skittish bossa nova tale. Other highlights include Bill Orcutt and Mabe Fratti's stunning duet "Almost Waking" and Sean Solomon's weighty indie pop track "Remember."

For more curated music selections, subscribe to the Guardian's rolling Add to Playlist on Spotify or transfer it to Apple, Tidal, or other services.

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