PUP IN CONCERT:
Canadian indie outfit Pup blends pop and punk seamlessly to arrive at their unique sound, but calling them a pop punk band would be a total misnomer. Their catchy, compact tunes contain loads of melodic brilliance, but the raw aggressiveness of their sound is a far cry from the shiny production value favored by most pop punkers. Their recordings are frenetic, breakneck affairs, and in concert they push things even further, tearing through songs like "Guilt Trip" and "Reservoir" with a reckless abandon that always whips ticket buyers into a frenzy. Pup may be new to the scene, but fans of compact punk nuggets infused with catchy melodies and sing-along choruses are already lining up to catch them on tour.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Pup was formed in Toronto in the early '10s by a group of childhood friends who all attended the same elementary school. They originally started playing together in 2011 under the name Topanga, but switched to Pup in 2013 just before the release of their self-titled debut album. The album generated significant buzz in punk circles, and in 2014 it was given a wider release on SideOneDummy Records. In their brief but bright career the band has racked up a considerable assortment of honors -- their debut album was nominated for a Polaris Music Prize, they won 2 Bucky Awards in 2013 for Best Live Show and Best New Artist, and Rolling Stone named them one of 2014's "breakout rock acts". They've rocked festival stages at Pop Montreal, Groezrock, and SXSW with their adrenaline-filled live show, and they continue to impress every time they take the stage on tour.
