Pup is an enigma of a band. Before April of 2014, the vast majority of human beings on this terrible planet (myself included) had no idea of their existence. We were basking in our loathsomeness. Settling for sub par riffs, lackluster gang vocals, and basic ass chord progressions and time signatures. But their debut self-titled LP changed every bit of that, you know, minus the whole loathsome part.
Their new record, "The Dream is Over", is as equally anticipated as it was over due. After immediately getting signed to the legendary Side One Dummy records, the world couldn't bear to exist with only one album. And Pup, in all their Pup-ness, delivered.
This band takes risks. It's a risk taking kinda band. They refuse to settle for a predictable song. Their ability to compose these blisteringly complex, yet catchy tunes, is something we just don't see in just about any band around right now. This album is further proof of this. The song Doubts opens with this complete rock and roll riff but immediately transitions into a Weezer style garage pop verse, which then transitions into a chorus that is both equally janky yet perfect for a sing along. The Coast sound reminiscent of Yukon Valley, yet with a darker tone. It reminds me of those old church hymns that rattle you to your core. Pup likes to reference the brutal Canadian winters a lot. And I can only image the effect of that specific climate on someone's life, both mentally and physically. It amplifies the theme of self-doubt, depression, and apathy towards the world around you.
The lyrical content on this record focuses on the harsh realities of life. It's ebbs and flows...and how you can't stop fucking up the good things around you. It paints a picture of a dreary and cold terrain and compares it to the world around being shredded apart. The stand out track DVP, is about wondering why someone is ignoring you, and drinking yourself silly trying to get over it, only to realize that that's the problem. The song Can't Win, laments about the hopelessness in trying to succeed over arguably the catchiest chorus on the whole record. A destructively sad song about watching someone you care about deteriorate. But played over such a triumphant beat, gives the song a much more somber outlook, as if he called it from the beginning.
However, while I've gone over many positives about this record, this album does have its low points. As for the opener If This Tour Doesn't Kill You, I Will, the melody doesn't grab me hard enough, and the initial impact doesn't hit me in a way that really conveys the difficulties of touring with your friends. Old Wounds, is fast and in your face, but the lyrics have an almost childish feel to them, which I think downplays the intensity of the song. My Life is Over, And I Couldn't Be Happier is poppy and catchy as hell, and it has a sassy flair that makes me nod in agreeance, but I definitely need a few more listens before I fall in love with it.
That aside, this band is proving that it can take the unique sound that it has created and push it another step forward. Pup only sounds like Pup. Their composition and structure are unrivaled amongst many other punk bands around right now. And I got to hand it to their drummer, because that mother fucker can switch tempos so fast it'll make your head spin. The vocal melodies are soaring, and the ever present gang vocals are built for live performances. This is a record that doesn't automatically floor me to the ground, but I know that over time, each song will blossoms and grow in my ears to its own monstrosity of an anthem.
Final Score: 7.5/10
You can give the entire album a listen here:
Thank you so much for the read and have a wonderful day.
-Nights Off
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