Toronto’s punk rock saviors, PUP, are back with a vengeance, dropping the raucous new single “Get Dumber” and igniting anticipation for their forthcoming album, Who Will Look After The Dogs?, set to detonate on May 2nd via Little Dipper / Rise Records.
Following the searing previews of “Hallways” and “Paranoid,” “Get Dumber” delivers a blistering dose of PUP’s signature frenetic energy, amplified by the welcomed addition of longtime friend and collaborator, Jeff Rosenstock. The track is a glorious, chaotic explosion of punk rock perfection, complete with Rosenstock’s backing vocals and a hilariously flubbed lyrical moment that’s become a permanent, and perfect, fixture.
Frontman Stefan Babcock reveals the song’s intimate origins, “I wrote ‘Get Dumber’ in Jeff’s basement. I was house sitting for him while he was on tour. Maybe because the ghost of Jeff was in the room with me, I always imagined our voices on this song together.” The collaborative spirit shines through, with Babcock detailing the raucous recording session: “We recorded the vocals together, in the same room, facing each other… On the first take, he forgot a line in the second verse and said “ahhhhhh, lyrics” instead. I couldn’t finish the take because I was laughing too hard. Anyway, he practiced singing the correct lyrics but then we decided those lyrics kinda sucked and he should just stick to “ahhhh lyrics” because it’s funny and the song is called Get Dumber. We nailed it on the second take.”
The chemistry between the band and Rosenstock is undeniable, and fans will be thrilled to know that this dynamic duo is taking their act on the road this autumn for the aptly titled “PUP + JEFF ROSENSTOCK PRESENT: A CATACLYSMIC RAPTURE OF FRIENDSHIPNESS” co-headline tour across the US.
But before that, PUP is set to unleash Who Will Look After The Dogs?, their fifth full-length, a raw and cathartic blast of pure punk rock energy. Produced by John Congleton in Los Angeles, the album is a testament to the band’s decade of relentless touring and their undeniable livewire chemistry. Babcock describes the album as evoking the “lightning-in-a-bottle intensity” of their self-titled debut, but with a newfound level of musicianship and lyrical depth.
Who Will Look After The Dogs? sees Babcock delve into his personal relationships, both romantic and within the band, while also confronting his own internal struggles. “The title of our new record, Who Will Look After The Dogs?, is what I wrote at the top of the page, the very first thing written for this album,” Babcock explains. “I think it’s devastating, but in a ‘holy shit this is overdramatic’ kinda way. At least in context of the line that comes before it. That’s what makes it funny to us. That overblown stuff we all say in our dark moments can be hilarious once you’ve cooled off a bit. I don’t know if anyone else thinks it’s funny, but sometimes you gotta laugh at yourself. It’s the only way out of the abyss. Trust me.”
The album promises 12 tracks of unfiltered emotion and unpredictable mayhem, with PUP shedding their perfectionist tendencies and rediscovering the joy of making loud, unapologetic music.
To celebrate the album’s release, PUP will be embarking on a UK and EU headline tour in May, bringing Illuminati Hotties along as support (excluding Spain) and Goo for the UK leg.
Go to www.puptheband.com for all on sale and ticketing information.
UK and EU:
07/05/2025 – Birmingham, UK @ XOYO Birmingham
08/05/2025 – Leeds, UK @ Project House
10/05/2025 – Manchester, UK @ O2 Ritz
11/05/2025 – Glasgow, UK @ SWG3 (TV Studio)
12/05/2025 – Newcastle, UK @ Newcastle University
13/05/2025 – Bristol, UK @ Marble Factory
15/05/2025 – Southampton, UK @ Engine Rooms
16/05/2025 – London, UK @ O2 Forum Kentish Town
18/05/2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands @ Melkweg
20/05/2025 – Cologne, Germany @ Club Volta
21/05/2025 – Hamburg, Germany @ Logo
22/05/2025 – Berlin, Germany @ Hole44
23/05/2025 – Munich, Germany @ Strom
25/05/2025 – Paris, France @ Bellevilloise
27/05/2025 – Madrid, Spain @ Sala Mon
28/05/2025 – Barcelona, Spain @ Upload
29/05/2025 – València, Spain @ Loco Club
30/05/2025 – San Sebastian, Spain @ Dabadaba
Get ready to dive headfirst into the chaotic brilliance of PUP. Who Will Look After The Dogs? is primed to be one of the year’s most essential punk rock releases.
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