PUP – The Dream Is Over

This is Canadian quartet PUP‘s second full length album, it has the difficult task of following their critically acclaimed 2014 self titled debut. The title of this release, The Dream Is Over, is taken from the devastating words a doctor said to singer and guitarist, Stefan Babcock, when it was found that one of his vocal chords was haemorrhaging. Thankfully as they’re still here and back on the road, it’s clear that the title is one which is deeply ironic.

The lyrically sharp and witty opener, If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will, sets out their stall nicely, this is as brutally honest a song about life on the road as you will ever hear. This theme continues as the whole album sounds like it’s been informed by the highs and lows of their experiences, not only since their eponymous debut was released, but also in growing up together in Toronto.

The Dream Is Over has a shambolic charm, it’s rough edges haven’t been smoothed out, and I think that is part of the allure that this unique album has. This is a band making exactly the album they wanted to make, it sounds to me like no compromise whatsoever has been made on the part of PUP in creating this captivating sophomore release. It has a fuzzy discordant quality throughout and has a distinctly quirky appeal that I find irresistible.

I certainly hope to catch them when they visit the UK later this year, I get the feeling that PUP is a band that really needs to be experienced live. 

Their extensive tour dates can be found here.

The Dream Is Over is available from the usual sources or can be ordered here.