BeatRoute Magazine Alberta print e-edition - November 2016

PUP
following anything but familiar patterns
think, for me, the whole band is about that
cathartic release; I have a lot of pent up en-
“I ergy, both positive and negative and I think
writing aggressive, snotty music is a really good
way to release some of that.”
Toronto-based four-piece PUP is that punk/rock/
amazing that these past few years fucking needed,
pure unabashed raw, live energy. The band released
their latest album The Dream Is Over in May, a
volatile and personal record that shows PUP’s growth
from their self-titled debut album. From the first
single “DVP” to the almost-anthemic aggression of
“Familiar Patterns,” the band have found audiences
have easily connect with the music the new record,
and it probably has something to do with the fact
that when writing songs they’re always thinking
about playing them live.
“We recorded both our albums live off the floor,
except for vocals and a couple overdubs; it’s important
to capture that energy by all of us playing together
in the same room rather than tracking drums
and adding bass then guitar. That’s just never really
worked for us,” explains lead vocalist and guitarist Stefan
Babcock. “When you build songs and play them
live, I think it’s important to track them live in the
studio otherwise you lose a lot of energy. It’s always
been the goal of each record to capture the energy
of the live show.” That energy he talks about bears its
teeth when listeners hit play or, better yet, catch the
guys live; they’re that type of group that leaves your
body writhing and buzzed, and you love it. “We’re
The Toronto rockers continue on their near-endless tour.
always on the verge of kind of falling apart as a band
so it’s kind of probably fun for people to witness a
train that is constantly about to be derailed.”
To break it down, what keeps PUP going at full
blast is the genuine respect for their band mates and
the desire to be in a solid band that knows its shit,
keeps their music unrefined and puts it out regardless
of any bullshit. “We’re a highly dysfunctional group of
adults to be honest. I think we’re all just motivated.
It’s a combination of all of us being really motivated
to succeed on our own terms, combined with a
pretty deep respect for each other… It’s important
to fight through all the bullshit and dysfunction and
look at the bigger goal and kind of suck it up when
you need to suck it up and put in the work and effort,
and try not to let the little things get you down.”
Starting their tour on August 27th, and aside from
two days off in October, PUP will be on tour straight
through to mid-December. That’s a little more than
75 days. “It’s a lot of touring, pretty much nonstop.
by Jamie Goyman
Once that’s over I think we’ll take a much-deserved
month-long break and catch up on life, do what
normal people do. We already have plans to go back
to Europe in January and February, take a month off
and then get back to it,” tells Babcock.
The band, who seem to be constantly touring, has
got it down to an almost science when it comes to
keeping sane for the never-ending life of 100-km/h
scenery passing by. “It’s important to try your best to
have your own space because you’re always around
other people. I like to get up pretty early about once
a week and take the van and go on a hike on my
own… Just even tuning out the world, putting on
headphones and listening to music and being in your
own world is a really important part of my day. Being
able to disconnect and go into my own world and
listen to something that nobody else is listening to
around me is pretty rejuvenating.” This is why when
they hit the stage their live show is unforgettable, any
room fills wild with the band’s potency and leaves the
audience dripping and satisfied.
Western Canada is no doubt ready for PUP to
come through with what Babcock describes as “a
loud noisy clusterfuck.” Perfect.
PUP performs at the Cobalt in Vancouver on November
21st, at Lucky Bar in Victoria on November 22nd,
at Commonwealth in Calgary on November 24th, at
the Starlite Room in Edmonton on November 25th, at
Amigos in Saskatoon on November 26th and at the
Good Will Social Club in Winnipeg on November 27th.
ROCKPILE
BEATROUTE • NOVEMBER 2016 | 29