Angine de Poitrine
Angine de Poitrine in 2026.
Angine de Poitrine in 2026.
Background information
Origin Saguenay, Quebec, Canada
Genres
  • Experimental rock
  • math rock
Years active 2019 (2019)–present
Label Les Cassettes Magiques
Award GAMIQ Artist of the Year 2025
Members Khn de Poitrine
Klek de Poitrine
Website anginedepoitrine.com

Angine de Poitrine (French for "angina pectoris") is an experimental rock duo and virtual band from Saguenay, Quebec, Canada.[1] Formed in 2019,[2] the band's two members perform under the pseudonyms Khn de Poitrine (guitar, bass, and looping) and Klek de Poitrine (drums).[3]

History

The duo have been performing together since they were teenagers. They first performed as Angine de Poitrine in 2019, but did not begin performing consistently as the group until 2023.[2] Their costumes and on-stage personas were initially created as a "joke",[4] with the band being named after the medical condition angina pectoris.[5] Having been told they could not perform in back-to-back weeks at the same venue, they did one show as themselves and one disguised in costume. As the band has evolved, the members have remained anonymous, which is their preference.[4]

Angine de Poitrine gained early attention through independent online releases and festival appearances in Canada. Their debut album, Vol. 1, was released in 2024.[6] In February 2026, the band's recorded live session for radio station KEXP circulated widely online, bringing the duo increased international recognition.[7][8][9][10][1]

Critical reception has emphasized their originality, technical ability, and distinctive visual identity. Their discography includes the album Vol. 1 (2024) and the singles "Mata Zyklek" (2025) and "Fabienk" (2026),[9] released ahead of their second album Vol. II, set for release on April 3rd 2026.[1] The band will be playing its first shows in the United States in September of that year.[11] Angine de Poitrine has sold out concerts in New York and Rennes. [12]

Artistry

The band combines experimental rock with microtonal math rock and performance art, using nonstandard tuning systems, complex rhythms, and largely instrumental compositions. Their live performances feature the musicians performing in oversized papier-mâché masks with Proboscis monkey noses alongside black and white polka dot stylized costumes and staging.[4][11][1]

Khn de Poitrine plays a double-necked hybrid instrument consisting of a Fender-Stratocaster-like guitar and bass, separately wired, and each with additional microtonal frets.[13][2] It was custom-built by a Saguenay-based luthier in over 150 hours of work. The instrument includes oversized, phosphorescent fret markers to compensate for Khn's impaired vision due to his mask. A second backup instrument for upcoming tours is planned.[14]

Members

  • Khn de Poitrine – microtonal guitars, bass guitar, loop station, synthesizers, vocals
  • Klek de Poitrine – drums, vocals

Discography

Studio albums

Title Details
Angine De Poitrine Vol. 1
  • Released: June 14, 2024[15]
  • Label: Les Cassettes Magiques
  • Format: LP, cassette tape, streaming, digital download

Singles

Title Details
Sherpa
  • Released: June 1, 2024[16]
  • Label: self-released
  • Format: streaming, digital download
Sherpa V. Alt / Sarniez V. Beta
  • Released: February 2025[17]
  • Label: self-released
  • Format: 12"
Mata Zyklek
  • Released: November 28, 2025[18]
  • Label: self-released
  • Format: streaming, digital download
Fabienk
  • Released: February 5, 2026[19]
  • Label: self-released
  • Format: streaming, digital download

References

  1. ^ a b c d Larouche, Andréanne (1 February 2026). "Dans l'univers d'Angine de Poitrine" [Inside the world of Angine de Poitrine]. Radio-Canada (in French). Archived from the original on 2 February 2026. Retrieved 24 February 2026.
  2. ^ a b c Laurence, Jean-Christophe (13 November 2025). "Les nouveaux extraterrestres du rock québécois". La Presse. Retrieved 26 February 2026.
  3. ^ "Angine de Poitrine - Live on KEXP". KEXP. 2026-02-05. Retrieved 2026-02-08.
  4. ^ a b c Jetté, Elise (2026-09-26). "Angine de Poitrine, le plaisir de brouiller les pistes". Le Devoir (in French). Retrieved 2026-02-18.
  5. ^ Adler, David R. (2026-02-09). "The Off-World Aesthetic of Quebec's Angine de Poitrine". JazzTimes. Retrieved 2026-03-04.
  6. ^ "ANGINE DE POITRINE - VOL.1, by Angine de Poitrine". Bandcamp. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
  7. ^ Adler, David R. (2026-02-09). "The Off-World Aesthetic of Quebec's Angine de Poitrine". JazzTimes. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
  8. ^ Brunet, Alain. "M For Montréal | Angine de Poitrine: Heading for a heart attack!!". PAN M 360. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
  9. ^ a b Rogers, Karlie (2026-02-06). "Angine de Poitrine Are on the Dot in New KEXP Performance". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on 2026-02-07. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
  10. ^ Strauss, Paul (2026-02-06). "Angine de Poitrine's Live Performance Is Equal Parts Rock and Performance Art". The Awesomer. Retrieved 2026-02-11.
  11. ^ a b Pearis, Bill (2026-02-19). "French-Canadian microtonal mathrock duo Angine de Poitrine playing first US shows in September". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved 2026-02-23.
  12. ^ Radio-Canada, Médias numériques de. "Angine de poitrine, le nouveau phénomène mondial | On va se le dire". Radio-Canada (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2026-03-24.
  13. ^ Weller, Phil (2026-03-19). ""I added more frets with a saw." Angine de Poitrine built a microtonal double-neck guitar that "makes no sense." Now they're blowing up online". Guitar Player. Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  14. ^ Fournier, Alice (2026-03-09). "On a parlé au luthier qui a fabriqué la guitare à deux manches d'Angine de poitrine". 24 Heures (in French). Retrieved 2026-03-27.
  15. ^ "Angine De Poitrine Vol. 1". Bandcamp. June 14, 2024.
  16. ^ "Sherpa". Bandcamp. June 1, 2024.
  17. ^ Angine De Poitrine - Sherpa V. Alt / Sarniez V. Beta, n.d., retrieved 2026-03-16
  18. ^ "Mata Zyklek". Bandcamp. November 28, 2025.
  19. ^ "Fabienk". Bandcamp. February 5, 2026.