PUP – Who Will Look After The Dogs? | Album Review

Have PUP grown up? The Canadian punks discuss marriage, breakups, and first loves on their mature latest release Who Will Look After the Dogs?.

PUP have certainly been consistent with releases, having put out five studio albums since their formation in 2014 and consistently touring; they have remained emo staples with their brand of snarky, introspective punk and post-hardcore that was popularised in the mid 2010’s by groups such as Modern Baseball and Title Fight, have gained a cult-like following ever since and with their mature lyrical content on previous releases, it’s not hard to see why.

Who Will Look After the Dogs?’s intro track ‘No Hope’ is two minutes of ferocious emo perfection that stays true to PUP’s roots, with their iconic brand of rowdy gang vocals, nihilistic lyrics, and standout riffs that set PUP apart from the hundreds of pop-punk acts that have came and went since the late 1990’s. However, lead single ‘Paranoid’ may be formulaic for some, as PUP still stick to their trademark of bitter lyrics assumingly towards an ex-lover. But despite PUP sticking to a formula that resonates with many, the clear post-hardcore influence makes ‘Paranoid’ both a solid choice as a lead single, and an album standout that will surely go hard in a live show setting.

‘Concrete’ shows deeper lyrical prowess than what PUP fans may be used to, with frontman Stefan Babcock showing an impressive vocal range against groovy basslines courtesy of Nestor Chumack, all whilst Jeff Rosenstock’s feature on ‘Get Dumber’ combines his brand of wholesome zest with the heavy subject of substance abuse and the effects on loved ones. It’s here where PUP truly shine, with their signature approach of tackling dark and just plain bleak subjects with a sense of wit and hyperactivity being as engaging now as it ever was.

Who Will Look After the Dogs? also arguably contains more variety compared to PUP’s previously acclaimed releases. Granted, it may not contain the more left-field stylings of their slightly divisive last record, but this record is host to more innovation that one would anticipate following it’s respective singles. For example, the first minute of ‘Hunger For Death’ sounds almost 1950s-inspired due to the minimalist production, the 3/4 timing, and the focus on harmonies set to dreamy drum machines and synth backing. However, midway through the track, PUP return to what they’re best known for, fuzzy guitar tones and solos with just the perfect amount of messiness.

Finally, album closer ‘Shut Up’ is nihilistic, yet nowhere near as angry as previous entries in their catalogue with a more cheerful backing track and works perfectly as an album closer, taking the listener on a thirty-minute journey of anger, bitterness, substance abuse, and finally acceptance as PUP’s latest release comes to a hopeless, halting close.

Is Who Will Look After the Dogs? PUP’s best album? Many would disagree, which in itself is a testament to this band’s near flawless discography. However, it’s a memorable entry in their five-album collection and is a must-listen for any elder emo who loves nothing more than reminiscing over old girlfriends and wasted youth.