Hangedup

Hangedup is a seminal Montreal-based duo consisting of Genevieve Heistek (viola) and Eric Craven (drums). Formed in 1999, they emerged from the fertile Constellation Records scene, sharing DNA with Godspeed You!

Black Emperor and Silver Mt. Zion. Their sound identity is defined by the use of loop pedals to layer viola phrases into dense, polyrhythmic textures, which are then met with Craven's inventive, often industrial-leaning percussion. This approach bridges the gap between contemporary classical, folk, and noise rock. Their career arc is marked by a series of critically acclaimed releases in the early 2000s and a notable collaboration with drone pioneer Tony Conrad, which solidified their standing in the avant-garde community. Culturally, they represent the 'small-ensemble' wing of Canadian post-rock, prioritizing rhythmic propulsion and textural grit over cinematic grandeur. Critical consensus highlights their ability to extract massive, symphonic energy from just two performers, often noting the 'vertigo-inducing' quality of their live performances.