What makes PUP by PUP notable?

This album garnered attention for its blend of hardcore punk and pop melodies, leading to critical acclaim from publications like Pitchfork. It also helped secure PUP's place in the modern punk revival, influencing a new generation of punk bands with its authenticity and rawness. PUP's self-titled debut album was released in 2013 following their formation in 2010. At this point, they were transitioning from local Canadian shows to a broader audience, establishing themselves within the pop-punk scene after gaining traction with their energetic live performances.

PUP works well if you're into cathartic bursts of energy, steady momentum throughout tracks and youthful angst and rebellion.

How many songs are on PUP?

PUP has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

PUP

PUP · 2013

34 min · 10 tracks · hardcore punk

Raw energy and emotive lyrics collide with catchy riffs, creating an infectious pop-punk sound that reflects youthful angst.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Guilt Trip — Opening with a relentless guitar riff, this track encapsulates the album's themes of regret and youthful recklessness while showcasing PUP's signature energy.
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Reservoir — This song balances catchy hooks with introspective lyrics about facing personal fears, illustrating the band's knack for blending emotion with powerful instrumentation.
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Dark Days — The anthemic chorus and driving rhythm create a sense of urgency that mirrors the struggles expressed in the lyrics, making it a standout track that embodies the album’s overall tone.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

53 /100

Foothills

Higher than 40% of albums we've rated

The album combines energetic punk with catchy melodies, showcasing strong songwriting and emotional delivery.

What we noticed

The album opens with a fast-paced track that sets a high-energy tone, maintaining this intensity through the first half before introducing more varied tempos.
Lyrics often reflect themes of youthful disillusionment and angst, delivered with a raw vocal style that complements the aggressive instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

cathartic bursts of energy
steady momentum throughout tracks
youthful angst and rebellion
for high-energy moments

Maybe skip if you

prefer slow, mellow tunes
seeking extensive musical complexity

Where this album fits

Career context: PUP's self-titled debut album was released in 2013 following their formation in 2010. At this point, they were transitioning from local Canadian shows to a broader audience, establishing themselves within the pop-punk scene after gaining traction with their energetic live performances.
Stylistic neighbors: The Menzingers· Against Me!· Joyce Manor