With “Hallways,” Toronto-based punk rock legends PUP transform their darkest moments into relatable sonic gold in the wake of their fifth LP, ‘Who Will Look After the Dogs?’
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Stream: “Hallways” – PUP
Toronto-based punk rockers PUP have never shied away from a tough conversation.
Their talent for channeling rage, sadness, and occasionally even playfulness into their music is unmatched. Every track carries a unique rowdy atmosphere, and their newest single, “Hallways,” is no different.
“Hallways” is the first song that lead singer Stefan Babcock wrote for their upcoming album, Who Will Look After the Dogs?, set to release on May 2nd (via Rise Records), and it’s noticeably lighter than their previous offerings. The intensity featured in their first release, “Paranoid,” recedes for “Hallways,” leaving space for lyrical prowess.
It took me a while to let it sink in
The way that you never say what you’re really thinking
It took me a while to find out I keep fighting the feeling
And once again, I’ve been lucid dreaming
Turn the TV on but the thoughts won’t stop
So I’ll rip out the cord but I just can’t turn ’em off
The track undoubtedly addresses the theme of loss. Losing someone in any form, is painful and can leave a massive void in the hearts of those left behind. PUP understand this well and draw from personal experiences to create this cathartic pop-punk earworm.
The track opens with classic noisy guitar and Babcock’s distinctive vocals. As the song builds, the initial noisiness becomes more controlled and melodic. Showcasing the evolved version of PUP that remains true to its punk rock roots while exploring a more mature sound. They aren’t arguing and tearing apart the set anymore; they’re reflective and a touch calmer, and that essence oozes from this track.
It feels purposeful and intense, with a solid vision reflected in the instrumentation, production, and mixing of the track. Comparing this to their earlier work highlights a clear distinction between youthful, intense PUP and mature, reflective PUP.
The first night without you
I collapsed on the living room floor
What the hell am I gonna do
if I can never see you anymore?
The first night without you
I collapsed on the floor
‘Cause when one door closes
It might never open
There might be no other doors
There might bе no other doors
The lyricism in this track is fervent, echoing thoughts many experience during dark moments in life. Contemplating the unknown and moving on breeds anxiety in many, and Stefan taps into that with his lyrics. He bends common phrases like, “When one door closes, another opens” to create a dramatic sense of dread: “When one door closes, it might never open; there might be no other doors.”
That anxiety of letting go and sinking into the unknown is present, but kind of overdramatic.
The following lyric, “I’m losing the will to keep dragging on, but I can’t die yet because who will look after the dog,” pushes this dramatic sentiment even further. This line, referenced in the title of their upcoming record, encapsulates the song remarkably well, reflecting an anchoring presence that keeps you from fully going off the deep end. Stefan Babcock describes this title as overdramatic and somewhat funny, yet the feelings behind it remain raw and relatable.
I’m losing the will to keep dragging on
But I can’t die yеt ’cause who will look after the dog?
And when you finally let go
And you told me that you wished I didn’t exist
But karma is rich, isn’t it?
The first night without you
I collapsed on the living room floor
What the hell am I gonna do
if I can never see you anymore?
The first night without you
I collapsed on the floor
‘Cause when one door closes
It might never open
There might be no other doors
There might be no other doors
Every person on the planet has encountered dark moments. In those times, it’s easy to succumb to intense thoughts. Although they may feel real and possible at the moment, these thoughts become somewhat ridiculous and melodramatic when, on the other side, at least they can.
“I think it’s devastating, but in a ‘holy sh*t, this is overdramatic’ kinda way, at least in the context of the line that comes before it,” Stefan Babcock says.
“That’s what makes it funny to us. That overblown stuff we all say in our dark moments can be hilarious once you’ve cooled off a bit. I don’t know if anyone else thinks it’s funny, but sometimes you gotta laugh at yourself. It’s the only way out of the abyss. Trust me.”
The “Hallways” music video, directed by Sterling Larose, explores the theme of immovable despair by depicting the band blending in with the furniture, resembling the surreal feeling of sitting on couches and beds for so long that they’ve melded into the structures themselves. Though it seems silly, it poignantly captures the real sensation of being depressed. Lying in one place for so long can create the impression that you can never move from that spot again; it becomes a part of you, and you have to live with it.
For that reason, the music video complements the song exceptionally well. PUP consistently infuse a playful edge into their music, and the amusing music video carries considerable emotional weight, aligning perfectly with their style. “Hallways” is just the beginning of the wild ride that PUP are about to embark on with their fans in May.
Who Will Look After The Dogs? reflects the early days of PUP, now all grown up. They are more in tune with each other and their music, creating a far more succinct and free body of work that could be career-defining.
So, what the hell am I gonna do
if I can never see you anymore?
Might never see you anymore
‘Cause when one door closes
It might never open
There might be no other doors
There might be no other doors
I’m losing the will to keep dragging on
(There might be no other doors)
But who will look after the dog?
(There might be no other doors)
I’m losing the will to keep dragging on
But I can’t die yet ’cause who will look after the dog?
(There might be no other)
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:: stream/purchase Hallways here ::
:: stream/purchase Who Will Look After the Dogs? here ::
:: connect with PUP here ::
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Stream: “Hallways” – PUP
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© Vanessa Heins
© Vanessa Heins
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