Over the past two years, PUP have stayed busy, releasing the This Place Sucks Ass EP, putting on a Tiny Desk Home Concert, and writing their fourth LP, THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND, which is due out this Friday, April 1. And while the new music has kept fans engaged, the live show is the last piece of the puzzle that's been missing. The Toronto punks have spent the better part of a decade building their reputation as a must-see act, delivering blistering sets that are fuelled by a relentless energy. Last night (Sunday, March 27), the PUP RETURNS THANK FUCKING GOD tour rolled through Hamilton, bringing with it everything fans could want from a PUP show and more.
Following a set by folk rockers Casper Skulls, the packed crowd at Bridgeworks erupted with cheers as the lights dimmed and the band took the stage with the NBA on TNT theme ushering them on. Once they were settled on stage, frontman Stefan Babcock opted for keys rather than his guitar as the group debuted "Four Chords," the new album's understated opener. From there, the band got the room moving with their newest single "Totally Fine" thanks to an extremely catchy chorus, with frantic verses punctuated by Zack Mykula's air-tight drumming.
After blazing through several songs to kick off the set, the band took a break to greet the crowd with their signature brand of self-deprecating humour. Babcock hinted that there may be some rust to shake off saying, "It's only the third show. We played in Ottawa last night and sucked a little less than the night before," which garnered a laugh from most of the room. The sentiment was quite tongue-in-cheek, as the first few songs were a strong indication that the cohesion and musicianship PUP had cultivated over years of touring had not disappeared.
That musicianship was front and centre throughout the night, as PUP delivered a setlist of old and new favourites. During "Waiting," a riff-heavy banger from the upcoming album, guitarist Steve Sladkowski and bassist Nestor Chumak showed out; both nailed each verse and chorus, with the former delivering a scorching solo to end the bridge (and melt some faces in the process). As expected, they delivered The Dream Is Over hits "If This Tour Doesn't Kill You, I Will" and "DVP" with the piss and vinegar fans demand of those songs. Both tracks sound as if they can fall off the rails at any moment, but the group managed to keep the chaos controlled. As the last notes of "DVP" wrung out, and the crowd surfers landed back on their feet, Babcock was delightfully amused when a fan gifted him some "Hawaiian red fruit punch," in reference to one of the song's most endearing lyrics.
Every member of the band was so genuinely appreciative and grateful to be able to play in front of a crowd, and that positivity permeated throughout their performance. Recently released ballad "Matilda" was extended to include an outro that featured dueling guitar solos from Babcock and Sladkowski — specifically, the solo from "Hotel California." Babcock explained, "It's okay if you don't know that song. Does anyone not know it?" After a few fans vocally confirmed they were in the dark, Babcock, with a wide grin on his face told them, "We wrote it."
Even when it came time for the show to end, PUP continued to flaunt their dry sense of humour. After voicing their displeasure for encores, three of the four members squatted in lieu of leaving the stage. Only Sladkowski remained standing, albeit hiding his face behind a dark towel. As the band "re-emerged," they capped off the evening with "Morbid Stuff" and "Kids," two quintessential PUP songs that capture what the band do best: deliver catchy punk-pop drenched in anxious lyrics that sound best when hollered at the top of your lungs.
Self-doubt, uncertainty and mental health struggles (sadly exacerbated for many over the last two years) are themes that have existed throughout PUP's entire discography, but the quartet earned their fun-loving reputation because of the positive energy they bring to their shows and community. Live music has always provided a cathartic release, and PUP's Hamilton show was the perfect example of why they have been held in such high regard for so long. People are clearly excited to be a part of it once again — no matter how bad the band think they are.
Following a set by folk rockers Casper Skulls, the packed crowd at Bridgeworks erupted with cheers as the lights dimmed and the band took the stage with the NBA on TNT theme ushering them on. Once they were settled on stage, frontman Stefan Babcock opted for keys rather than his guitar as the group debuted "Four Chords," the new album's understated opener. From there, the band got the room moving with their newest single "Totally Fine" thanks to an extremely catchy chorus, with frantic verses punctuated by Zack Mykula's air-tight drumming.
After blazing through several songs to kick off the set, the band took a break to greet the crowd with their signature brand of self-deprecating humour. Babcock hinted that there may be some rust to shake off saying, "It's only the third show. We played in Ottawa last night and sucked a little less than the night before," which garnered a laugh from most of the room. The sentiment was quite tongue-in-cheek, as the first few songs were a strong indication that the cohesion and musicianship PUP had cultivated over years of touring had not disappeared.
That musicianship was front and centre throughout the night, as PUP delivered a setlist of old and new favourites. During "Waiting," a riff-heavy banger from the upcoming album, guitarist Steve Sladkowski and bassist Nestor Chumak showed out; both nailed each verse and chorus, with the former delivering a scorching solo to end the bridge (and melt some faces in the process). As expected, they delivered The Dream Is Over hits "If This Tour Doesn't Kill You, I Will" and "DVP" with the piss and vinegar fans demand of those songs. Both tracks sound as if they can fall off the rails at any moment, but the group managed to keep the chaos controlled. As the last notes of "DVP" wrung out, and the crowd surfers landed back on their feet, Babcock was delightfully amused when a fan gifted him some "Hawaiian red fruit punch," in reference to one of the song's most endearing lyrics.
Every member of the band was so genuinely appreciative and grateful to be able to play in front of a crowd, and that positivity permeated throughout their performance. Recently released ballad "Matilda" was extended to include an outro that featured dueling guitar solos from Babcock and Sladkowski — specifically, the solo from "Hotel California." Babcock explained, "It's okay if you don't know that song. Does anyone not know it?" After a few fans vocally confirmed they were in the dark, Babcock, with a wide grin on his face told them, "We wrote it."
Even when it came time for the show to end, PUP continued to flaunt their dry sense of humour. After voicing their displeasure for encores, three of the four members squatted in lieu of leaving the stage. Only Sladkowski remained standing, albeit hiding his face behind a dark towel. As the band "re-emerged," they capped off the evening with "Morbid Stuff" and "Kids," two quintessential PUP songs that capture what the band do best: deliver catchy punk-pop drenched in anxious lyrics that sound best when hollered at the top of your lungs.
Self-doubt, uncertainty and mental health struggles (sadly exacerbated for many over the last two years) are themes that have existed throughout PUP's entire discography, but the quartet earned their fun-loving reputation because of the positive energy they bring to their shows and community. Live music has always provided a cathartic release, and PUP's Hamilton show was the perfect example of why they have been held in such high regard for so long. People are clearly excited to be a part of it once again — no matter how bad the band think they are.
