CREDIT: PUP
The cover of PUP’s new self-titled album.

I write about random things a lot. I write a lot about random things. This week I'm excited to offer a glimpse into the self-titled debut album by PUP, officially released on October 8 by Royal Mountain Records. Their first full-length record, this is an album that has been awaited since the band burst on the scene early in 2011 with their Topanga EP.

Funnily, I had an epiphany while writing this column; it occurred to me that somewhere out there, punk rock hipsters and purists alike are waiting cautiously to listen to the album, ready to lament the days of Topanga the same way that they yearn for the days when Pat Stump was fat.

Realistically, the album is more than simply the product of a talented band and producer, however well-suited they may be for one another. This record is a symbol, a larger statement that becomes more apparent as the whole picture comes into view; this band is ready to leave their blood and sweat on the stage, and they're prepared to work hard for your attention.

Since announcing their new moniker this spring, PUP — guitarists Stefan Babcock and Steve Sladkowski, bassist Nestor Chumalak and drummer Zack Mykula — have been gaining momentum that is legitimately close to exponential: substantial gigs headlining Yonge-Dundas Square in May, opening for Hollerado at the Danforth Music Hall in Toronto and even opening for Billy Talent at the Rapids Theatre in Niagara Falls, New York recently. What's more, PUP has been collecting praise from music media websites on both sides of the border, enjoying features from Stereogum, NOW Magazine and The Grid.

While things have been improving since they announced their new name, frontman Babcock described the months leading up to the announcement as bleak and dark. You see, Google Alerts had increasingly begun to return results on one Danielle Fishel and her coming Disney resurrection and less so on their band, and with a finished album under their belts the four opted to stop playing shows and disappear while they considered how to proceed.

In the end, they found strength — and their new band name — in a card Babcock received from his grandmother. The metaphorical Aunt May to their Peter Parker, her pride and gentle ribbing helped to inspire new perspective and determination in the group... but that's another story.

“We went from total depression to being so excited, getting to play music for people every day,” Babcock said, describing the band's renewed energy. “We were ready to go.We shot a music video within a couple weeks of being a band again, it was really exciting.”

That video was “Reservoir,” directed by Chandler Levack and Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux. The video premiered on American music site Stereogum a few weeks ago, and depicts PUP sustaining terrible worst-case-scenario injuries while performing their brand of high-energy rock in a small space.

In addition to being the first single, “Reservoir” is the first glimpse we received into the band's new dynasty, and a good introduction to PUP, the album. Produced by Dave Schiffman — known for his work on notable albums by The Bronx, Weezer, Thrice and The Mars Volta — this record was recorded almost entirely live off the floor. The boys played live together using their regular tour gear, guided by Schiffman to envision and capture the best live show they'd ever played.

“We recorded with a bunch of great producers before we made the record, we worked with Jon Drew and Gus van Go,” Babcock said, recalling the decision they faced as plans for the album developed. “But we were just thinking, ‘We might as well shoot for the stars. Who would be our number one producer to work with?' He has done a lot of stuff that we own and love, so we sent him our demos.”

“We expected nothing, but two days later he sent us an email,” he continued. Schiffman enjoyed the demos and wanted to make a record. “That was the first time all four of us thought like, ‘Holy shit, this might be a real thing.' We always took our band seriously, but we always thought it would be a serious hobby for us — that was the first time we thought maybe there might be a future in it.”

The album begins with the anthemic singalong “Guilt Trip” before launching into the explosive single “Reservoir.” The playful tribute “Mabu” is next, followed by live show gem “Never Try,” both exuding new energy with Schiffman's guidance. Longtime fans will delight to know that “Lionheart” and “Back Against the Wall” also appear on the album among new offerings previously unreleased by the band.

For more on PUP, their new album and their tour across the country, visit them online at puptheband.com or follow along on Twitter @puptheband. They were just here in London opening for Hollerado on September 27, but you can catch them again at their album release show at Sneaky Dee's in Toronto on October 17. Doors open at 9 p.m., tickets are $8 in advance through ticketfly.com.

And for more of the latest music news, views and album releases, consider following this column on Twitter @fsu_bobbyisms. Don't forget you can check fsu.ca for all the latest live music listings here at Fanshawe, I'm out of words.