(Artist Report)

Written by: Courtney Denning   

Hello Soundwave readers today we are writing about the band PUP’s out of Toronto. The story is one of relentless evolution, emerging from the Toronto punk circuit in 2010 and rapidly earning reputation for their hook-laden aggression and sharply witted lyricism. Beginning as Topanga, the band made early waves with EPs that showcased their raw energy and penchant for honest storytelling, before renaming themselves PUP, a nod to a family quip that ironically heralded their potential.

Their self-titled 2013 debut on Royal Mountain and SideOneDummy Records marked a defining arrival, backed by extensive Canadian and international touring, and a run of shows that spotlighted their sweat soaked and participatory live ethos. With their sophomore release The Dream Is Over (2016), PUP created a reputation for transforming personal setbacks into collective rallying points, drawing from frontman Stefan Babcock’s own vocal challenges to instill the album with urgent resolve. Their shows grew in size and impact, frequently selling out venues and igniting festival stages in the US, UK, Australia, and Europe, while “If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will” and “DVP” became modern punk staples that united fans in rowdy singalongs and cathartic release.

Morbid Stuff (2019) witnessed the band expanding their palette, both musically and thematically, adding textured pop sensibilities and fearless humor to commentary on mental health, relationships, and growing older. Their innovative promotion classic zines, flexi disc giveaways, and fan interactivity is what kept their underground roots front and center, even as mainstream accolades accumulated.

The album’s “Kids,” “Free at Last,” and “Scorpion Hill” captured their ability to turn uncertainty and angst into moments of joy and solidarity, and performances on late night TV and at major festivals further broadened their reach. The pandemic years saw PUP undeterred, dropping a live record (Live at the Electric Ballroom), the EP This Place Sucks Ass (2020), collaborative tracks with Charly Bliss, and covers for Metallica’s Blacklist project, all while maintaining a steady stream of engagement with a fiercely loyal fanbase.

The group’s 2022 release, The Unraveling of PUPTheBand, delivered another leap forward, balancing self-aware humor and anthemic, inventive arrangements. Singles like “Robot Writes a Love Song” and the band’s ever-collaborative approach kept momentum high. By 2025, Who Will Look After the Dogs? marked their fifth LP, unveiling both a fresh set of pop-punk hooks and bold, reflective narratives that celebrated resilience and growth. Releasing singles such as “Paranoid,” “Hallways,” “Get Dumber” (featuring Jeff Rosenstock), and “Olive Garden” in succession, PUP fueled anticipation alongside creative events like the “Mega-City Madness Tour”—a series of six rapid-fire Toronto performances—and continued to headline tours across North America.

Their skill at blending heartbreak, humor, and community has translated into numerous prizes and nominations, including the CBC Bucky Awards, Juno Awards, the Polaris Music Prize, and critical nods from Rolling Stone and The Globe & Mail, with tracks regularly topping punk playlists and being featured on major gaming and cultural platforms. The band’s complete discography includes five full-length albums, impactful EPs, celebrated live recordings, and a collection of singles praised for their emotional candor, sharp musicianship, and unflagging optimism in the face of life.

From basement venues to festival main stages, PUP has never ceased developing their sound or strengthening their bond with fans, proving that punk can be a vessel for joy, connection, and ongoing creative exploration. We can’t wait to see what comes next form these guys. Well, I hope you enjoyed this report, we thank you for reading, Until next time. 

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