You've discovered Angine De Poitrine? What’s next?
After 15 years of Portals blowing the trumpet of math-rock and promoting amazing music, it seems the scene is finally having its moment. The micro-tonal, time signature shifting, guitar looping of polka-dotted Québécois duo Angine De Poitrine has gone viral. This sensation shows that this kind of experimental, esoteric and forward-thinking music connects with people as it gives expression to the chaos of modern life, much like the abstract expressionists in post-WW2 Europe and America.
If this is your first foray into the world of math-rock, or if you’re open-minded when discovering new music, here are a bunch of amazing bands with a lot of similarities to Angine De Poitrine that deserve just as much attention.
El Ten Eleven
The original double-neck guitar/bass looping duo. The best at what they do. Wonderful building soundscapes, catchy melodies. Check this from KEXP 17 years ago…
https://youtu.be/fD2xS91Mi84?si=zy7n5iW_irvhjw_q
Aiming For Enrike
This Norwegian duo did the post-apocalyptic looping math-rock sound before it was cool. Like the party at the end of the world, their rhythms are chaotic yet hypnotic.
https://youtu.be/8PYk9xZOFVk?si=z8AqmhICEMJxlZT6
Cleft
One of the most under-rated bands in recent memory, Cleft were a bundle of joy. Like a math-rock Rage Against the Machine, they had the biggest, bounciest, most infectious riffs going. Sadly no longer with us after guitarist Dan Wild-Beesley passed away, but Cleft live long in the memories of many of us. If you know, you know.
https://youtu.be/qM7aL-USe3I?si=crZpTPuKxhbAEe-V
Battles
Without Battles, there is no Angine De Poitrine. The pioneers of catchy looping math-rock, Battles incorporate ferocious drumming with progressive experimentation and bouncy riffs.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpGp-22t0lU
Whilst you’re at it, check out Don Caballero, the earlier band from guitarist Ian Williams, who were making dark, chaotic math-rock as early as 1991.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odgSV9YU_-0
AK/DK
If you prefer to go in a full-on synth/electronica/rave direction, look no further than AK/DK.
https://youtu.be/84s-K7TrJaY?si=Iw5U_Hack0s4xcc2
God Alone
God Alone will move you into slightly heavier territory with their genre-bending experimental madness. The Cork-based 4-piece will take you on a journey of dance-infused math-rock and post-hardcore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6ONhqkIb3o
Waldo’s Gift
More towards the jazz side of the math-rock world, Waldo’s Gift offer even more technical proficiency. Their mastery of their instruments allows them to push the boundaries of alternative music but doesn’t prevent the music being accessible.
https://youtu.be/Z0AQXl0TtIQ?si=kNWU4tAY-GxWP5w5
Three Trapped Tigers
Three Trapped Tigers should be considered one of the greatest British bands of all time and I’m willing to die on that hill. Furious polyrhythmic drumming, frenzied synths, and heroic guitar lines combine into beautifully controlled chaos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiZO_vPa2ak
Ni
Complex chaos, harnessedinto a mid-point between prog, math-rock and post-hardcore, French quartet Ni draw from a range of influences and create something really unique.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCsphR6w2vQ
Body Hound
Possibly the most challenging band in this list, Body Hound never recycled a riff or musical phrase. Stunning musicians who are sorely missed in the scene after splitting up in 2021.
https://youtu.be/5FcoblXJ-NY?si=v4idyH1JvYiSlpDO
Lightning Bolt
It’s not about what notes they’re playing, it’s about the energy and ferocity they play them with. Often setting up their gigs in the middle of the room, with the crowd all around them, Lightning Bolt is the musical expression of a mosh pit, bottling all that rage and transforming it into musical form.
https://youtu.be/3NZGbD236fw?si=SKI8qYanXiwdr1za
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