PUP

PUP are a Canadian punk rock band from Toronto, Ontario, formed in 2010. The group begins under the name Topanga, a reference to the character Topanga Lawrence from Boy Meets World, before changing its name to PUP, an abbreviation of “Pathetic Use of Potential,” after learning that the character returns in Girl Meets World.

Line-up

The band consists of Stefan Babcock on vocals and guitar, Steve Sladkowski on guitar and vocals, Nestor Chumak on bass and vocals, and Zack Mykula on drums and vocals. All four are long-time friends who meet in elementary school.

Early releases and breakthrough

Before adopting the name PUP, the band releases a digital EP called Oceans. Their self-titled debut album arrives in 2013 on Royal Mountain and helps the band reach a wider audience in Canada and beyond. That year, CBC Radio 3 names them Best Live Show and Best New Artist. They also tour widely across Canada, England and the United States.

SideOneDummy years

By the end of 2013, PUP sign with the punk label SideOneDummy. The label later reissues their debut album, and the band spends much of 2014 and 2015 touring extensively in support of it. During this period they play their first headlining tours in Canada and the United States and make their Australian debut.

The Dream Is Over and Morbid Stuff

In 2016, PUP release their second full-length album, The Dream Is Over, following the single “DVP”. The album title comes from a prognosis Babcock receives after years of constant touring left him with severely damaged vocal cords. The band continues touring internationally in support of the record. Their third album, Morbid Stuff, is released in 2019 on the strength of work recorded in 2018 with producer Dave Schiffman. The record wins a Juno Award and focuses lyrically on Babcock’s experiences with depression.

Later work

In 2020, PUP release the six-song EP This Place Sucks Ass, a title taken from one of the band’s long-running touring jokes. The group returns to the studio in 2021 to record a fourth album. The Unraveling of Puptheband is released in 2022 on Universal and is produced by Peter Katis. It expands the band’s guitar-based sound with synthesizers, piano and horns, while also using other instruments to create a denser, still fast-moving style.

Musical style

PUP play punk rock with pop punk and indie rock elements. Their recordings and live performances are marked by fast, frenetic songs, humour and self-deprecating lyrics, alongside a strong reputation as a touring band.