Live Review: Pup

Canada’s beloved Pup finally returned to Australian shores for the first time since 2018 supporting their recently released fourth album ‘The Unravelling of Pup The Band.’ 

With only one band in support, Melbourne alt-rockers Loser played to an already full house. Producing a steady stream of releases since 2018, including two full-length albums, it is clear their work is paying off with a genuinely engaged crowd of old and new fans. It was my first time seeing the band as a three piece with Emily Car recently joining on drums; she totally killed it with an impressive style and unique enthusiasm behind the kit. 

Kicking things off with ‘Mindless Joy’, from their debut album of the same name, the band delivered a solid set of catchy Alternative Rock with massive hooks and impressive vocal melodies. Stand out tracks included ‘Head First’ from most recent album ‘All The Rage’ and set closer ‘Loser.’ Loser continues to rise and it will be exciting to see what comes next. 

The Croxton had long been sold out in anticipation of PUP’s return to Melbourne and the atmosphere was electric, it is hard to remember seeing such a wild uninhibited crowd. After delivering opener ‘Totally Fine’ the band announced they were ready to rip and asked the audience to look after each other. 

The atmosphere was only amplified further when the band did rip into ‘My Life is Over and I Couldn’t Be Happier’ followed by ‘Dark Days,’ ‘See You At Your Funeral’ and a personal favourite ‘Sleep In The Heat’ about the death of singer Stefan Babcock’s chameleon Norman. The capacity crowd was singing along to every word with insane enthusiasm, an insight into how beloved Pup have become to Australian audiences in recent years.

At numerous points throughout the set Babcock put down his guitar and riled the crowd up further, hurling himself around the stage with reckless abandon, at one point dangling the mic stand into the crowd as hundreds delivered that life affirming punk show sing a long ‘woah oh oh’ right back at the band.

During ‘Reservoir’, from the band’s debut album, a pit furiously erupted taking fans full circle and reminding us why we fell in love with Pup in the first place, while the sombre and nostalgic ‘Scorpion Hill’ was another crowd favourite;  the song tells the story of someone who is descending into the depths of alcoholism and depression, yet as with many Pup songs it is almost impossible not to sing along.

Showing their dark sense of humour Pup delivered another new track ‘PUPTHEBAND inc. Is Filing For Bankruptcy’ then announced they will not entertain the pageantry of encores and would be playing two more songs, going out in style with ‘Morbid Stuff’ and ‘Kids’.

Pup delivered a world class set of their signature sound, a mix of punk and harder indie rock that mixes in tongue in cheek lyricism while dealing with topics such as the ridiculousness of the music industry, interpersonal relationships, addiction, and heartbreak. Pup are a unique band of extremely talented musicians who have a sound that is wholly their own, it was a pleasure to be at the show to witness the band in full flight.

Set list

Four Chords

Totally Fine

 My Life Is Over and I Couldn't Be Happier

 Dark Days

 See You at Your Funeral

 Sleep in the Heat

 Free at Last

 Robot Writes a Love Song

 Reservoir

 Edmonton

 Matilda

 If This Tour Doesn't Kill You, I Will

 DVP

 Scorpion Hill

 Waiting

 Familiar Patterns

 PUPTHEBAND Inc. Is Filing for Bankruptcy

 Morbid Stuff

 Kids