For reasons known only to the content gods, I have seen a lot of recent recommendations for videos/articles/live performances of the rock duo Angine do Poitrine. I’ve listened to a few tracks here and there, but tonight I listened through both albums: 2024’s Vol. 1 and this month’s Vol. II. I feel internally conflicted about all of this.
I’m going to ignore the visual performance aspect for now except to say that I think it rules. I cannot imagine how long it takes to apply the makeup, and performing with those crazy-large masks seems like a serious challenge. Hats off.
The music is where I need more time to digest. Their overall sound makes me think of a neo-psychedelic jam band, but shouting, “Now, with microtonal fretboards!”. The second album adds a bit more prog rock flavor, yet both albums feel somehow melodically shallow—ironic, given the microtonal strings. On the other hand my enjoyment of electronic music helps me, I suspect, appreciate the undulating and modulating looped nature of their tracks. Loop decks are fundamentally an electronic music technique even when used with acoustic or electric guitars, and the resulting performances/recordings often share those layering and building qualities. I also find their music makes me want to dance despite the frequent use of odd and/or shifting time signatures. They may be pretty fun to see live.
Conclusion: needs more research. I like what they’re getting at, but I could use a little more variety. I’d love to see them in person, but the closest they’re coming to Richmond is Washington, DC. On a Tuesday. During the school year.