MUSIC PREVIEW: PUP socks!
Next Wednesday, March 27, the venerable Starlite Room hosts a sold out show with the Toronto punk rock quartet PUP.
Originally going under the name Topanga, the brood’s eponymous debut album was released in 2014 after signing with Hollerado’s label, Royal Mountain Records, and produced by Dave Schiffman (Rage Against the Machine, Weezer). It was during this time they changed their name – because of a Disney show featuring a character named “Topanga.” The band used the name change as an opportunity to aim for a heavier vibe.
It was PUP’s follow-up that really got the nation’s attention. The Dream Is Over, released in the spring of 2016, seemed to hit all the right chords for Canadian punk fans. It was nominated for a Juno, and made it all the way to the Polaris Prize’s shortlist in the summer of 2016, paving their way to larger audiences and further acclaim.
The original foursome remains together, and tight, and this spring they’re releasing their newest album, Morbid Stuff. Dave Schiffman is back, and joined in production efforts by Darren McGill, for the album due out April 5. Fans can expect a heavy dose of the new material during the show. SOLD OUT
Friday 22
Deafheaven and Baroness – Deafheaven is a post-metal band formed in the San Francisco region of California in 2010; Baroness is a heavy metal band from Savannah, Georgia, though its original members grew up in Virginia. Both bands have been around for quite a while, and have released a number of albums; the latter is definitely releasing a new album at some point this year – a double album in fact – with album art already released, and a title – Gold & Grey. Union Hall, 7:30 pm, $33.50. BUY
Katie and the Wildfire – This gig is a release party for this Edmonton band’s newest EP, Ten Speed. Led by singer Katie Lane, their music is a mix of dreamy indie pop with overtures of folk and soul. Nature Of, and The Eclipse open. Aviary, 8 pm, $12.
Saturday 23
Dreadnoughts – This folk punk project out of Vancouver is the true definition of chaos theory, because you never know what’s going to happen during their shows. Well, you know you’ll hear great music at least, that’s for sure. The band was founded back in 2007 – and now a dozen years later, they have four studio albums and a pair of delicious EP’s to their credit. With Raygun Cowboys, The Devil’s Son, and ATD. Starlite Room, 8 pm, $20. BUY
Monday 25
Royal Canoe – This Manitoba indie pop band is always up to something. Whether it’s their own luscious and enrapturing music and sound, or a side project, where its members hone their various crafts – like Matt Peters forming a chamber-pop ensemble that resulted in a tribute to Canadian author Elizabeth Smart, or keyboardist Matthew Schellenberg receiving a Canadian Screen Award nomination for some work he did on the soundtrack for the movie Lovesick. With Nehiyawak and Upper Lakes. Temple at Starlite Room, 7:30, $15 and up. BUY
Tuesday 26
Shakey Graves – This captivating Austin Americana artist received critical raves for his 2014 and 2015 albums (And the War Came, and Nobody’s Fool, respectively), and a whole slew of new and adoring fans. After adding other musicians to his recording process and live show, he’s kept the pedal to the metal ever since, and is currently touring to support his album from last May titled Can’t Wake Up. His lyrics are real, and bare, and his guitarwork is extraordinary. He’s even got a little known unreleased album called West Of Calgary – but don’t hold that against him. Cam Neal opens the show at the Winspear Centre ($42.50 and up, 8 pm, BUY)
