"When frontman Stefan Babcock collapses on the floor after a break-up, it's pathetic. But when he sings about collapsing on the floor after a break-up? And turns it into a supremely catchy song like "Hallways"? And people sing along? That's catharsis."
"PUP's business is churning self-loathing and discontent into screamable hooks, and judging from the raucous sound of these live recordings, business is booming. The release, a vinyl exclusive, documents an unusual hometown run—the group played six Toronto venues in one week, ranging from a house show to clubs they came up in to the 2,500-capacity History."
"Recorded a few months after Dogs came out, Megacity Madness spotlights several of the album's most potent feel-bad anthems. "No Hope" thrashes and burns like the best of PUP's early tantrums, "Hallways" already feels like one of their most quotable downers, and the reggae-punk hybrid "Hunger for Death" gives Babcock a chance to blurt out powerful statements at the historic Danforth Music Hall."
PUP, a punk band known for songs about being directionless and self-destructive, paradoxically demonstrates significant direction and charisma by turning their angst into singalong anthems. Frontman Stefan Babcock's depictions of personal collapse become cathartic experiences when transformed into music. The band's new live album, Megacity Madness, documents six Toronto venue performances in one week and prioritizes raw punk authenticity over polish. Recorded after their 2025 album Who Will Look After the Dogs?, the release showcases PUP's core appeal: converting self-loathing and discontent into screamable hooks. Songs like "Hallways" and "No Hope" demonstrate how the band channels pessimism into communal release experiences that resonate powerfully with audiences.
Read at Pitchfork
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