Their unique microtonal rock sound has achieved remarkable viral success. However, questions linger: are they genuinely 333-year-old extraterrestrials drawing inspiration from Bornean monkeys? The Quebecois duo offers their insights.
Recently, Angine de Poitrine found themselves in need of new headwear. The rock duo, known for their striking alien appearance, were not naturally born with the monochrome polka-dotted complexions and elongated faces that have captivated millions of listeners since their viral surge this past spring. Guitarist Khn sports a long, resonant nose and a double-necked guitar/bass, while drummer Klek’s dangling proboscis bobs rhythmically with his powerful drumming. Both musicians claim to be 333-year-old time travelers, whose primary inspiration stems from a somber musical quartet of monkeys native to Borneo.
After months of relentless touring and performing, their handcrafted papier-mâché masks had become saturated with moisture from the musicians’ exertion. “When I examined mine, I thought to myself, ‘Jesus Christ, did I really play that much with this?'” Klek recalls. “It was disintegrating. It was akin to leaving a Christmas gift box outside in the rain.”
However, as their masks began to fall apart, it was crucial that their replacements maintained a semblance of wear and tear. “People have fallen in love with the band as it has always been,” Khn explains. “So, we’re not going to alter everything just because we now have a larger budget. We feel a strong emotional connection to our old, battered costumes that have survived car accidents and are full of the remnants of our performances. We believe people appreciate the authenticity of costumes that clearly show they have been lived in.”