Angine de Poitrine: The Masked Canadian Duo Taking the Music World by Storm
From the Saguenay region of Quebec, Canada, the experimental rock duo Angine de Poitrine – known as Khn de Poitrine and Klek de Poitrine – are rapidly gaining international recognition. Combining intricate musicianship with elaborate costumes and performance art, the band has captivated audiences and critics alike, moving beyond a simple gimmick to establish themselves as a genuinely exciting musical force.
Origins and Formation
Formed in 2019, Angine de Poitrine began performing consistently in 2023 [1]. The duo, who had been performing together since their teenage years, initially conceived their masked personas and costumes as a playful “joke” [5], describing it as an “Andy Kaufman-esque trick” played on their local audience [6]. They have intentionally maintained anonymity, preferring to let the music speak for itself [5].
Musical Style and Instrumentation
Angine de Poitrine’s music is rooted in experimental rock and math rock, characterized by complex rhythms and unconventional song structures. Khn de Poitrine plays a double-necked microtonal guitar, allowing for tones between the standard notes [3], while Klek de Poitrine provides the percussion. Their performances are visually striking, with the duo consistently appearing in elaborate costumes and papier-mâché masks that conceal their identities [3].
Breakthrough and International Recognition
Angine de Poitrine initially garnered attention through independent online releases and festival appearances in Canada. Their debut album, Vol. 1, was released in 2024 [7]. However, it was their live session for KEXP, recorded in February 2026, that propelled them to international prominence [8, 9, 10, 11, 1]. The performance, originally from the Trans Musicales festival in Rennes, France, has garnered over 2.5 million views on YouTube [3].
Touring and Upcoming Performances
Following their increased visibility, Angine de Poitrine has a busy touring schedule. They are currently undertaking a European tour, with dates in the UK, Belgium, and France [4], and will follow this with performances across Canada. Their first shows in the United States are scheduled for August 2026 [1]. As of April 3, 2026, shows in Montreal (April 3rd at Club Soda) and Quebec (April 11th at Le Pantoum) are sold out [2].
Awards and Accolades
In 2025, Angine de Poitrine was awarded the GAMIQ Artist of the Year award [1], further solidifying their position as a rising star in the Canadian music scene.