PUP Casts No Doubt It Knows Its Way Around The Punk Scene

O Canada, it's known for more than its bacon, Moulson Golden beer, and Mike Myers. Punk rockers PUP can be added to that list too. Their new single "Doubts" has all the raucous spitfire gumption you'd want from a punk band of any persuasion. Stefan Babcock has the voice that keeps you wanting seconds and maybe even thirds. This tune puts unapologetic chaos into a blender and then pushes the puree setting. Hope you're licking your chops punk rock aficionados because our geographic neighbors to the north put out a respectable product. Steve Sladkowski unleashes his inner beast through steady heat crunching through a guitar that doesn't take no for an answer. His instrument sums up what's the crown jewel of this entire package. Manning the drum kit in steadfast fashion, Zach Mykula piles on helpings of the punk rock attitude never to be duplicated by Ramones wannabes but expertly attempted by loyal imitation equals flattery throngs in waiting. Nestor "Mr. Fancy" Chumak does his bass proud in noticing holes where bass angst proves itself needed and then moving in for the kill. Lyric sheet, O lyric sheet, what goodies are lying in wait for us to discover. Why don't we discover that mystery for ourselves. We appear to be back in the world of girl fixation as gets demonstrated through "I'll never get you out of my mind. It keeps me awake and it keeps me alive. So continued shelf space in the land of the living? Good. Unwarranted insomnia? Bad. Around chorus time it would appear the lady in question has her doubt prompting Stefan to insist she pack her bags and move out. He's essentially got nothing whereas she has this nagging doubt that he can't abide by. Sounds like the drama in this relationship got unfairly skewed in one direction...hers. No wonder he'd rather continue on this portion of his life journey solo. His self-professed habit of spending more nights on the floor than in his own bed hardly sounds very promising. Nor does not getting much face time with his family or friends. Social balance, a must for us bipeds, eludes him greatly and the cost looks staggering. "What's left to lose?" he asks. Not very much from the looks of things. PUP as a band looks exceedingly playful. That is to say they don't carry the countenance of The Ramones who'd much rather spit in your eye from the stage than shake your hand and sign autographs. They are Canadians after all. They practically invented self-effacing hilarity. Your parents likely wouldn't pitch a fit if they knew you were listening to this engaging noise masquerading as middle brow art. PUP has a right to be barking with pride. "Doubts" leaves no doubt these Canadians should be looked into closely by Canadians of casual music stripes, hardcore music lovers, and seekers of cool diversions worldwide.