Latest news with #StefanBabcock
CBC
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Pup's Stefan Babcock is one of Canada's best songwriters — just don't tell him that
Stefan Babcock of the Canadian punk rock band Pup is his own harshest critic. With the release of the band's fifth and latest studio album, Who Will Look After The Dogs?, Babcock has proven himself to be one of this country's most sophisticated songwriters — and yet he can't take the compliment. "I think I would like to talk about what I'm bad at," Babcock tells Q 's Tom Power in a recent interview before immediately shifting the host's praise back onto his bandmates. "I play with three guys who are way better at music than I am, who are all insanely creative in their own ways, and who can just bring something exciting to songs that are sometimes lacking a spark." WATCH | Official video for Olive Garden: When Babcock initially wrote Pup's new song Olive Garden, he says it was just a "mediocre" acoustic demo until drummer Zack Mykula came up with an idea to make it heavier. "It completely transformed the whole meaning of the song," he says. "Those guys should be given all the credit in the world. Thank God. Thank God for them." On Who Will Look After The Dogs?, Babcock has tapped into his capacity for self-reflection and self-deprecating humour. While writing the album, he says he was going through a difficult time in his personal life as he contended with the end of a long-term relationship. "There's so much humour in the darkness for me," he tells Power. "I think a lot of the songs I write, what I'm doing is looking back on my worst moments from a much better place and trying to find them funny and make fun of myself." So what does Babcock like about his songwriting? "Not much," he says. "I think I'm pretty good at being honest with myself…. One thing I fought for on these songs and this record was let's not overthink these songs. When it feels good, that's when we stop. And that is a really hard thing for any of us to do because we're all over-thinkers. But I'm proud of myself for that — for being able to recognize when a song feels good and is finished." WATCH | Official video for Hallways: Interview with Pup produced by Mitch Pollock.
Gulf Today
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
PUP's pop-punk 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is unapologetically imperfect
For those unfamiliar with Toronto-based punk rock band PUP, the name is an acronym for "pathetic use of potential,' lead singer Stefan Babcock has said. That should give listeners an idea of the snarky rejection of perfectionism at the core of this group. It should also be kept in mind when this reviewer says that PUP's latest offering, "Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is, well, not good. And compared to their previous work -- it's not. But good is probably not what they were going for. Bassist Nestor Chumak, guitarist Steve Sladkowski, drummer Zack Mykula and songwriter Babcock make up the motley crew that is PUP. The quartet has come up in the past decade as a punk-pop rock staple, combining Babcock's yelled lyrics about human fallibility with humour and catchy, head-banging melodies. But "Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is missing the invigorating electric guitar riffs and cohesion that made past albums so solid. Instead, it is unapologetically imperfect, revelling in the joy of making loud music without so much rhyme and reason. The group's fifth studio album focuses on Babcock's relationships -- with romantic partners, bandmates and with himself. In the album, Babcock shares his vulnerable side, not the first time for the singer who has an open history with depression. "Hallways' sheds light on the background of the album's title as Babcock sings, "I'm losing the will to keep dragging on / But I can't die yet 'cause who will look after the dog?' Dark, self-deprecating humour permeates the album -- and PUP's work as a whole -- like in the gritty "Olive Garden,' when Babcock asks a past romantic partner to meet up at the restaurant, ("Last time your Grandma was in a coffin') or in the bittersweet "Hunger For Death,' in which Babcock curses, "(expletive) everyone in this venue / especially me, especially me.' The word "messy' might be used to describe "Who Will Look After The Dogs?' But it can be enjoyable in an unpolished way. The 12-track album features the frustration and brash style that PUP is known for, and its cathartic as always, especially in "Get Dumber" featuring scene stalwart Jeff Rosenstock and "Concrete.' But some songs take a step back from the band's usual frenetic energy, especially the ones reflecting Babcock's romantic relationships. That is where the album can tend to lag, like in breakup ballads "Best Revenge" and "Shut Up.' There are pleasures and missteps across the album, but the latter outweighs the former, making this one of the weaker releases across PUP's animated discography. But hey, at least they had fun. Does that make it good? Still, no. But the punk band probably couldn't care less. Rock on, PUP. Associated Press
Winnipeg Free Press
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Music Review: PUP's pop-punk ‘Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is unapologetically imperfect
For those unfamiliar with Toronto-based punk rock band PUP, the name is an acronym for 'pathetic use of potential,' lead singer Stefan Babcock has said. That should give listeners an idea of the snarky rejection of perfectionism at the core of this group. It should also be kept in mind when this reviewer says that PUP's latest offering, 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is, well, not good. And compared to their previous work — it's not. But good is probably not what they were going for. Bassist Nestor Chumak, guitarist Steve Sladkowski, drummer Zack Mykula and songwriter Babcock make up the motley crew that is PUP. The quartet has come up in the past decade as a punk-pop rock staple, combining Babcock's yelled lyrics about human fallibility with humor and catchy, head-banging melodies. But 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is missing the invigorating electric guitar riffs and cohesion that made past albums so solid. Instead, it is unapologetically imperfect, reveling in the joy of making loud music without so much rhyme and reason. The group's fifth studio album focuses on Babcock's relationships — with romantic partners, bandmates and with himself. In the album, Babcock shares his vulnerable side, not the first time for the singer who has an open history with depression. 'Hallways' sheds light on the background of the album's title as Babcock sings, 'I'm losing the will to keep dragging on / But I can't die yet 'cause who will look after the dog?' Dark, self-deprecating humor permeates the album — and PUP's work as a whole — like in the gritty 'Olive Garden,' when Babcock asks a past romantic partner to meet up at the restaurant, ('Last time your Grandma was in a coffin') or in the bittersweet 'Hunger For Death,' in which Babcock curses, '(expletive) everyone in this venue / especially me, especially me.' During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. The word 'messy' might be used to describe 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' But it can be enjoyable in an unpolished way. The 12-track album features the frustration and brash style that PUP is known for, and its cathartic as always, especially in 'Get Dumber' featuring scene stalwart Jeff Rosenstock and 'Concrete.' But some songs take a step back from the band's usual frenetic energy, especially the ones reflecting Babcock's romantic relationships. That is where the album can tend to lag, like in breakup ballads 'Best Revenge' and 'Shut Up.' There are pleasures and missteps across the album, but the latter outweighs the former, making this one of the weaker releases across PUP's animated discography. But hey, at least they had fun. Does that make it good? Still, no. But the punk band probably couldn't care less. Rock on, PUP.
Hindustan Times
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Music Review: PUP's pop-punk 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is unapologetically imperfect
For those unfamiliar with Toronto-based punk rock band PUP, the name is an acronym for 'pathetic use of potential,' lead singer Stefan Babcock has said. That should give listeners an idea of the snarky rejection of perfectionism at the core of this group. It should also be kept in mind when this reviewer says that PUP's latest offering, 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is, well, not good. And compared to their previous work — it's not. But good is probably not what they were going for. Bassist Nestor Chumak, guitarist Steve Sladkowski, drummer Zack Mykula and songwriter Babcock make up the motley crew that is PUP. The quartet has come up in the past decade as a punk-pop rock staple, combining Babcock's yelled lyrics about human fallibility with humor and catchy, head-banging melodies. But 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is missing the invigorating electric guitar riffs and cohesion that made past albums so solid. Instead, it is unapologetically imperfect, reveling in the joy of making loud music without so much rhyme and reason. The group's fifth studio album focuses on Babcock's relationships — with romantic partners, bandmates and with himself. In the album, Babcock shares his vulnerable side, not the first time for the singer who has an open history with depression. 'Hallways' sheds light on the background of the album's title as Babcock sings, 'I'm losing the will to keep dragging on / But I can't die yet 'cause who will look after the dog?' Dark, self-deprecating humor permeates the album — and PUP's work as a whole — like in the gritty 'Olive Garden,' when Babcock asks a past romantic partner to meet up at the restaurant, or in the bittersweet 'Hunger For Death,' in which Babcock curses, ' everyone in this venue / especially me, especially me.' The word 'messy' might be used to describe 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' But it can be enjoyable in an unpolished way. The 12-track album features the frustration and brash style that PUP is known for, and its cathartic as always, especially in 'Get Dumber" featuring scene stalwart Jeff Rosenstock and 'Concrete.' But some songs take a step back from the band's usual frenetic energy, especially the ones reflecting Babcock's romantic relationships. That is where the album can tend to lag, like in breakup ballads 'Best Revenge" and 'Shut Up.' There are pleasures and missteps across the album, but the latter outweighs the former, making this one of the weaker releases across PUP's animated discography. But hey, at least they had fun. Does that make it good? Still, no. But the punk band probably couldn't care less. Rock on, PUP.
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Music Review: PUP's pop-punk 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is unapologetically imperfect
For those unfamiliar with Toronto-based punk rock band PUP, the name is an acronym for 'pathetic use of potential,' lead singer Stefan Babcock has said. That should give listeners an idea of the snarky rejection of perfectionism at the core of this group. It should also be kept in mind when this reviewer says that PUP's latest offering, 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is, well, not good. And compared to their previous work — it's not. But good is probably not what they were going for. Bassist Nestor Chumak, guitarist Steve Sladkowski, drummer Zack Mykula and songwriter Babcock make up the motley crew that is PUP. The quartet has come up in the past decade as a punk-pop rock staple, combining Babcock's yelled lyrics about human fallibility with humor and catchy, head-banging melodies. But 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' is missing the invigorating electric guitar riffs and cohesion that made past albums so solid. Instead, it is unapologetically imperfect, reveling in the joy of making loud music without so much rhyme and reason. The group's fifth studio album focuses on Babcock's relationships — with romantic partners, bandmates and with himself. In the album, Babcock shares his vulnerable side, not the first time for the singer who has an open history with depression. 'Hallways' sheds light on the background of the album's title as Babcock sings, 'I'm losing the will to keep dragging on / But I can't die yet 'cause who will look after the dog?' Dark, self-deprecating humor permeates the album — and PUP's work as a whole — like in the gritty 'Olive Garden,' when Babcock asks a past romantic partner to meet up at the restaurant, ('Last time your Grandma was in a coffin') or in the bittersweet 'Hunger For Death,' in which Babcock curses, '(expletive) everyone in this venue / especially me, especially me.' The word 'messy' might be used to describe 'Who Will Look After The Dogs?' But it can be enjoyable in an unpolished way. The 12-track album features the frustration and brash style that PUP is known for, and its cathartic as always, especially in 'Get Dumber' featuring scene stalwart Jeff Rosenstock and 'Concrete.' But some songs take a step back from the band's usual frenetic energy, especially the ones reflecting Babcock's romantic relationships. That is where the album can tend to lag, like in breakup ballads 'Best Revenge' and 'Shut Up.' There are pleasures and missteps across the album, but the latter outweighs the former, making this one of the weaker releases across PUP's animated discography. But hey, at least they had fun. Does that make it good? Still, no. But the punk band probably couldn't care less. Rock on, PUP.
