CST022 LP / CD
HANGEDUP
Kicker In Tow
Hangedup explodes on this follow-up to their self-titled debut (cst016). On this second full-length, they prove themselves one of the most powerful, hypnotic and relentless duos currently mining the subterrain of instrumental avant rock. Genevieve Heistek’s amplified viola screams through a propulsive blend of drones and doublestops, while Eric Craven’s drumming spurts and hisses like an ornate, early-industrial steam engine. Both players also bring some great free/improvisational explorations to the table, always with a raw, restless punk rock heart. These are work songs, fight songs, songs brimming with life and shot through with melodic influences drawn from various folk traditions. The crashing force of their live performances has been expertly captured on this new album, once again recorded at the mighty Hotel2Tango by Efrim. Hangedup has hit the tape hot and hard, forging songs like galvanised steel. Every drum pushes air, every string buzzes and pulses with a saturated vibrancy. You can almost feel the wind in your hair as Hangedup gallops through the nine pieces lined up here. Yes, we’re breathless. We hope every fan of direct, unmediated, visceral punk experimentation will be too. Hangedup are a tremendous, tumultuous duo—one of the most exciting Montreal bands to capture our ears and get our blood pressure rising in the last couple of years.