Vol. II

Angine de Poitrine had already released one album and become fixtures of the Quebecois festival scene before they recorded the live session for KEXP that would end up going viral when it hit the Internet in February of 2026. Suddenly, these two weirdos with oversized papier-mache costumes -- somewhat like Caroliner but obsessed with black-and-white polka dots and gold triangles instead of Day-Glo splatter -- were everywhere, to the confusion and/or delight of millions. Their music itself lives up to the strangeness of its presentation. Armed with just a drum kit, a double-necked hybrid guitar, and loop stations, the duo play microtonal math rock that is largely instrumental, save the occasional distorted, Residents-coded vocals. Their second album arrived shortly after their viral success, and it shows that their music is just as bewildering on its own. "Fabienk" opens with alien noises and contorted rhythms, but it soon morphs into a bouncy, danceable beat, making it clear that this band is about joy and celebration as much as it is about making an absurd spectacle. Other songs like "Mata Zyklek" feature angular guitar riffs bringing to mind Anatolian rock from Turkey, as well as stop-start rhythms common to progressive rock, yet still a forward velocity that seems inspired by punk. "Utzp" throws another curveball by starting out with a festive, almost polka-like rhythm, then launching into a fast, frantic section with a blazing solo. "Angor" seems to have a more straightforward stomp to the rhythm, except for the parts when it accelerates and gets polyrhythmic. It might take a few listens or views to wrap ones head around what Angine de Poitrine are doing, but their music is actually a lot more accessible than it may seem at first, and their second effort is an incredibly fun record. ~ Paul Simpson