"Modern Stuff" is Exactly What the Modern Punk Scene Needs
PUP is a Canadian punk band who have been making music since 2011. The band originally went by the name Topanga, but they have been making music under the name PUP since 2013. They're pure punk and one of the most talented bands in the scene today. Their third album, Morbid Stuff, is their strongest and most powerful release yet.
The album art is far different from the art for their first two albums, and it shows a shift towards much more mature and clean sounds. This album will impress and entice you, drawing you in closer with every single track.
The album starts off strong with the title track “Morbid Stuff,” which is reminiscent of tracks from their sophomore release, The Dream Is Over. Vocalist Stefan Babcock doesn't hold back, delivering some of his strongest vocals yet. It's quite an impressive track and fits greatly into their discography.
The next track is entitled “Kids,” which was released as the first single for the album in January. It’s another great track; not as hard-hitting as “Morbid Stuff,” but still standing out as a favorite of mine. You can feel the emotions pouring from Stefan Babcock’s vocals, especially in the second verse. His unique vocal style shines on this track and it truly helps it to stand out from other songs.
After “Kids” comes a more straight up punk track entitled “Free At Last,” another impressive track as the drums stand out more in this than in the band’s other songs. This is the type of song you would want to start a circle pit to. It sparks something in the listener to a point where you can once again practically feel the emotion leaking out of the song.
Next is “See You at Your Funeral,” and I'll admit that the name really drew me in because I'm honestly a sucker for cool and edgy song titles. The song keeps up that same vibe of the album, being another standout from their discography. I think this is truly a song that will become a fan favorite. It brought out the angsty teenager in me and it made me want to dance around and lip sync. At this point, “See You at Your Funeral” is my favorite off of the album.
After the hard track “See You at Your Funeral” comes “Scorpion Hill,” another strong moment for the band. It was released as a single along with “Sibling Rivalry,” and though it may start out mellow, it sure as hell does not stay that way. The song drew me in slowly and as it began to speed up, I couldn't help but dance (very badly) and lose myself to the music.
Babcock's vocals are extremely impressive on “Scorpion Hill,” as are the drums, which are like a welcoming friend at this point. It's a track that you'll fall in love with and never get over. Though it is a five minute track, it never once bored me; it's incredibly impressive and a nice change of pace.
Next comes the track “Closure,” which fits into the style of songs off of The Dream Is Over while still finding a way to sound new and refreshing. This track will keep you on your feet and give you the urge to stage dive and scream the lyrics. It is definitely one that's worth your time, just like every song that has come before it.
Next is “Bloody Mary, Kate And Ashley,” which is one of the coolest song titles I’ve seen in awhile. The song feels a bit similar to a few other tracks on the album at first, but as you listen on, it begins to set itself apart and become something of its own, no longer just a track that fades into the background.
“Sibling Rivalry” is another song that sets itself apart from other songs on the album, as well as older songs they've released. Babcock's vocals are much more clear and clean, but they still keep the punk sound we all know and love. This is definitely one you'll want to keep on repeat and dance to for weeks on end. It has such a unique and interesting sound to it, making it a really nice change for the band.
“Full Blown Meltdown” is by far the hardest song on the album, and my God, is it beautiful. It's a punk masterpiece dripping with angst and anger that makes the listener feel like they could rule the world. It's an angry and beautiful song and it will be one you can never get out of your head. The guitars are haunting and will follow you for days, and you can practically feel the drums in your chest. It is by far the most amazing thing this band has ever created.
“Bare Hands” is far less heavy, but it's still a great song. It reminds me of songs they've released in the past, but with a cleaner and more refreshing sound. It's obvious that the band is keeping a certain style for most songs and then changing it up to be more clear and clean, which is a change I appreciate. The ending of the song provides something new and different that I truly can't describe; it's something you’ll have to hear for yourself.
The last track, “City,” is a far more mellow song than the rest of the album, or at least that's how it seems at first. It's another very different song, but it's something I enjoy as a nice close to an amazing album. I know I'll love this track forever, especially when it begins to become harder at the end, with guitars screeching and vocals becoming more aggressive. It is a dramatic change from the softness at the beginning of the song, but it is done so effectively.
This album has already become one of my favorites and one that I know I'll be listening for years to come. This masterpiece of an album is an intriguing and exciting change of pace for the band. It'll bring out the angst and anger you've been keeping inside and make you feel like a kid again. It is my favorite release from PUP and I think it's the best portrayal yet of who they really are. If you haven't already, then you should buy or stream Morbid Stuff immediately: I promise you won't regret it.
Written by: Cole Tucker
Edited by: Gianna Cicchetti
Graphic by: Emily Lantzy