Quebec duo Angine de Poitrine made their UK debut at Leeds' Brudenell Social Club, delivering a sold-out show that blended supremely complex musicianship with ridiculous fun. The polka-dotted phenomenon, who went viral earlier this year after a US radio station shared a video of their French festival performance, were greeted like conquering heroes by a packed crowd.
Double-necked guitarist/bassist Khn de Poitrine wore a giant upside-down pyramid head with a Pinocchio-style nose, while drummer Klek de Poitrine's oversized head resembled Monty Python's Black Knight, complete with a dangling proboscis and gold pyramid. The stage, drum kit, merch stall, and many fans were also covered in polka dots, with some attendees even sporting Klek's gold pyramids.
Their music matched the outlandish visuals: a hypnotic, berserk hybrid of math rock, prog rock, punk, jerky rhythms, microtonal loops, and twiddly guitar bits. Song titles included 'Sarniezz' and 'Utzp', with occasional mechanical 'wooo' or 'oggy oggy oggy' gurgles replacing vocals. The duo's tight sound, achieved despite their cumbersome outfits, showcased fearsome musicianship.
The key to their success, however, was the sheer joy they brought. Band and audience frequently made pyramid shapes with their hands in mutual thanks, and at one point everyone bounced in unison. After the frenzied epic 'Sherpa', the crowd departed grinning, with 'a tiny pyramid in their heart'. Several much larger UK shows this autumn are already sold out.
