PUP at The Vogue Theater in Vancouver, BC
by Yasmin Hannah
Canadian punk rockers, PUP made a valiant return to Vancouver this week with two shows, one of which being sold out. Short for Pathetic Use of Potential, PUP originally formed in Ontario over 6 years ago, with their debut self titled album being released in 2013. They have been touring Canada for the band’s most recent record, “Morbid Stuff” their third album, which was shortlisted for the Polaris Prize. PUP also won two Bucky Awards from CBC Radio 3 for Best Live Show and are known for their amazing cinematic music videos, receiving a nomination for Best Video in 2013. If you haven’t seen it already, check out the video for “Guilt Trip” and “Sleep In The Heat” both featuring Stranger Thing’s Finn Wolfhard. Both very emotively beautiful and oh so aesthetically pleasing.
A favourite within the Canadian music scene, they have been described by Rolling Stone as "breakout rock acts" this show, I can assure you did not disappoint! As I entered, I instantly felt overwhelmingly humbled by the sheer amount of people anticipating their set, overlooking a beautiful sea of heads, they entered and instantly, the energy rose.
Security had already pre-warned us about potential bodies flying over as they were expecting a rowdy crowd. Needless to say, we weren’t quite expecting Stefan Babcock, singer-guitarist to come join the sea of people he was playing to. Fans swarmed in solidarity and guided him back to the stage.
With feisty, sharp and punchy chords the band hooked the crowd and became submerged in the music themselves. Melodic yet fierce, they blew everyone away. A definite band to look out for if you haven’t already jumped on the bandwagon.
The energy of the crowd was really something intangible; the evening was a musical journey of angry punk rockers moshing, mixed with excitement and emotional feels combined with a humbling essence of solidarity.
PUP
