The Québécois experimental band Angine de Poitrine brought their meticulously crafted, noise-powered performance to a sold-out audience at Le Poisson Rouge in New York on Wednesday. While the musical prowess of the duo is significant, the most immediate spectacle was the transformation of their signature masks, which illuminated in bright yellow during key moments of the set.
The pair first captured global attention earlier this year when a video of their studio performance surged on KEXP’s YouTube channel, amassing nearly 20 million views. Their sound, characterized by microtonal structures and irregular time signatures, has drawn widespread acclaim despite its departure from mainstream rock conventions. This internet fame preceded their New York debut, with both nights at the 700-capacity basement venue selling out months in advance.
The band’s visual identity remains as distinctive as their audio output. Originally featuring oversized papier-mache faces with golden glittery eyes and pyramid motifs worn over black-and-white polka dot tunics and jumpsuits, the duo has updated their costumes to include the new light-up capabilities. The French-named venue proved an apt setting for the act hailing from their home province, further highlighted by Le Poisson Rouge’s reputation for exceptional acoustics and adventurous programming.
The acoustics at Le Poisson Rouge really made the microtonal details shine. KEXP gave me a preview, but this was next level.
How does anyone dance to 7/8 time signatures? I just stood there staring at the glittery eyes, confused but entertained.
My ears are still ringing in the best way possible. This genre deserves so much more mainstream love!
Those glowing masks are actually insane live. I screamed when they lit up yellow during the bridge.