PUP - The Unraveling of PUPTheBand ALBUM REVIEW

Listen: puptheband.ban...
PUP might be a bit too in its head on The Unraveling.
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FAV TRACKS: TOTALLY FINE, ROBOT WRITES A LOVE SONG, MATILDA, PUPTHEBAND INC. IS FILING FOR BANKRUPTCY
LEAST FAV TRACK: HABITS
PUP - THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND / 2022 / RISE / PUNK ROCK
6/10
Y'all know this is just my opinion, right?

[@pswaney]

“Pup isn’t doing MGK Numbers” that sentence launched me into an existential spiral

[@thekid1568]

Now Anthony has to react to this comment on his tiktok

[@everythingthatkills8977]

the fact that both are supposed to be the same genre

[@Miles_Phantasmagoria]

I'm afraid I don't understand?

[@medsellr]

a full blown meltdown

[@LackOfCreativiT]

@@everythingthatkills8977 ...are they?

[@kelleyreeves965]

The idea of an album's concept basically boiling down to their identity crisis as a band is actually really interesting to me

[@TheMeanMongoose]

Creative bankrupcy and compromising your art for monetary gain are interesting concepts that punk music has been chewing on for decades now. Not to say it's overdone and this record is a nice addition to that discussion, but I do love their earlier stuff more. Mostly because I'm not a musician myself so I can't relate as much, only empathize.

[@NotoriousLightning]

You ought to check out "Thief" by Destroyer, in that case. Amazing record, if I have to say so myself.

[@CommanderWar64]

I agree and this partial narrative of a punk band as a corporation is just too smart (and funny). I really enjoyed this record, it’s not perfect (I agree with some mixing issues) but its one of the best records I’ve heard this year.

[@johnmcgowan9110]

Rumours

[@NotoriousLightning]

@@johnmcgowan9110 No, it was true!

[@magic_meows]

pup have been one of my favorite bands for years and i wasn't initially sold on the direction this album went, but it's grown on me over time with more listens. it doesn't reach the highs of the dream is over or morbid stuff for me, but it's still good and has some bangers that i think will be great on live sets. the production is tough for me to get past though. i think being overly loud, compressed and messy was their intention but it's a bit much for me at points. but i appreciate that it's a very unhinged look at the band and if nothing else it sticks out in their discography as unique.

[@nickescobar4360]

Nailed it.

[@bijikedelai]

well said, i thought the same too. A lot of their new songs would really work best as a drunk sing-a -long on a live gigs in my opinion.

[@terryo4352]

Yea I feel like the issues most people might have with the sound could really be on purpose (in at least some cases). I love the over-the-top and chaotic vibe the album has.

[@harrisongordon3275]

@@bijikedelai totally fine and waiting were so much fun live for this reason

[@veemie8148]

Saw them live and the songs from that album work really well live.

[@AnnieKeller]

I just came here to say that I can’t believe nobody is talking about Relentless. That song is by far one of my favorites that Pup has ever put out, along with Matilda and Robot. Those alone make this a 7 or 8 for me.

[@djmandimouse3035]

It grew a lot on me!!!

[@we-can-still-be-friends]

Relentless is so fucking good

[@sirbear4962]

Robot w.a.l.s is really good

[@RLSteffler]

Fuck all the dread!

[@tpags7398]

I know you weren’t crazy about this record but these songs absolutely kill it live. So catchy, so good

[@arctikavenger]

They were so baller live honestly

[@tommyg121]

I think the fear of all this blowing up in their face has been a constant theme in their music. Songs like "If this tour doesn't kill you, I will" and"Dark Days" both had am attitude of "Just waiting for the other shoe to drop". Maybe it's imposter syndrome, but those don't seem too out of place here

[@gewwonabon5474]

wow anthony great review, but I was a little bit confused when you put on the dog collar and started barking for the last five minutes.

[@haughtygarbage5848]

OWO

[@richardpierce1559]

just saw these guys a week ago and it was a fucking blast. This album may not be their greatest but this was my first concert since the pandemic and it was a fucking blowout, they said this was the biggest concert they had done in 2 1/2 years and they did everything they could to make it meaningful.

[@drewforbes8980]

same!! the energy at the concert was unreal!

[@nitjared6148]

you see em at the roxian by chance? i saw em last week too

[@PwnzratorX7X]

I did, that show fucking rocked, glad we got the first show of the tour. Mixing for the openers kinda sucked tho.

[@artfuldodger0870]

Columbus?

[@datboydillon]

I w to

[@AB-tt6dv]

I basically agree. I love the concept of this record. I prefer Morbid Stuff and The Dream is Over to this but it basically comes down to that I don’t find the songs AS catchy or memorable. Although Robot Writes a Love Song, Four Chords Part 1, and Waiting will forever be some of my favorite PUP songs.

[@Duck_ded]

You read my mind lmao. Same, those songs are genuinely fantastic.

[@johnpaulcross424]

@@Duck_ded Fr, totally fine is in my top 10 for their discography

[@Sandybowls_9001]

Summed up my feelings pretty well.

[@Duck_ded]

@@johnpaulcross424 Ye, completely agree

[@CommanderWar64]

I sort of feel the same way, but at no point do I feel like I wanted a Morbid Stuff part 2. This is one of the best records I’ve listened to this year (I listen to an album a day). The first leg of this album is bangers (Four Chords is an intro, but it’s also a great song, minus the ending mix), Totally Fine, Robot, Matilda. The ending half is also not bad (I like Corners a lot, Waiting of course). However THAT LAST TRACK is one of their best tracks, such a good riff.

[@songbirdburning]

i did notice some of the issues you pointed out in this review and i unfortunately have to agree with them, though it isnt stopping me from loving this record to death as i feel that helps define PUP. this record has plenty of issues, but PUP itself is just a chaotic, all out, dramatic, brink of disaster type band, and thats why i love this album so much is because i can validate the types of issues this album has as what sort of defines PUP as a band. love you melon, keep making these reviews

[@drewforbes8980]

i just saw them in minneapolis and if you get a chance to see them live, man is it so worth it. my favorite band ever!

[@CriticsConfession]

Honestly feel like Kill Something should have been on the album, maybe even as a closer. It just hurts when I go into an album I'm excited for and nothing quite sticks out as much as the singles did. Feel like they could have nailed this whole high concept thing if the songs themselves were stronger.

[@winstonxarilo_]

Kill Something was my favorite post-Morbid Stuff, pre-Unravelling release. So shocked it wasn't on this album.

[@mindseyemusicreview]

I loved Kill Something and Waiting. Had recently just discovered PUP'S Morbid Stuff, went back to listen to back catalogue, saw them live in Baltimore etc and was super stoked for this album to drop. The rest just didn't stand out or have that same *magic* of their old material.

[@zacharyeck5436]

i had never heard of this band, but i checked it out because the album looked cool. it’s been on repeat for me

[@nicolashuggard-caine875]

Check out morbid stuff, definitely their best album so far

[@zacharyeck5436]

@@nicolashuggard-caine875 trust me dude. i have. i’m hooked rn.

[@RAPGAMETAYLORSWIFT]

@@nicolashuggard-caine875 Morbid Stuff is one of my favorite albums of all time, totally agree. This one was good but definitely is one that needs to be listened to as a whole. Compared to Morbid Stuff where it seems like every song individually has been my favorite on the album at some point.

[@terryo4352]

@@zacharyeck5436 Theyre on a north american tour right now! shows are decently priced and there are a LOT of them!

[@zacharyeck5436]

@@terryo4352 yuh i just looked but there are no HOU shows so imma have to sit this one out.

[@yearofthedogmusic5908]

Honestly I think collaborating with Jeff Rosenstock on some of the mixes might do wonder for PUP. They have a lot of unique ideas on their own but Jeff and them also share a couple similar ideas sonically and structurally on this album. I just think Jeff Rosenstock is a little better at balancing it.

[@gladiators2037]

i mean he did help them on morbid stuff

[@terryo4352]

His writing has always been able to capture my inner dread so well, I feel like he could have added to the concept here. Regardless, very happy with the album. JR is easily my favorite song writer of the past 10 years.

[@harrisongordon3275]

no dream nailed this type of crushingly loud mix

[@swatchcovers5401]

I think they had better mixes with the first 2 albums. The more recent stuff just doesn’t really do it for me. I get what they we’re doing with the lyrics, but I wish they weren’t so on the nose. I think Jeff does do a better job with this style for me. I still absolutely love pups first 2 albums though.

[@matthewcoronado-fuscoe3937]

I know this is a late reply sorry lol. Huge fan of both PUP and Rosenstock. I’ve always felt like PUP and Rosentstock are two sides of the same coin. PUP is insanely and aggressively unashamed, doesn’t try to clean anything up, like they’ve said on Kids: “your little songs are getting way too literal”. Rosentstock always seems to be more balanced and polished. Like somebody who’s holding together a panic attack way too well.

[@christopherleevideo]

Waiting is definitely my favorite track, the song as a whole just gets stuck in my head from the lyrics to the bass and guitar. It’s just all around a great song from them. The album as a whole I’d probably give a 7 compared to their earlier releases. Morbid Stuff was definitely a peak for me considering it was released at such a pivotal point in my life when I was a senior in college.

[@henveee]

The chorus on that was the weakest imo

[@mr_flawlesstaco]

Pup the band is so good!

[@drewforbes8980]

u need to see them live on this tour if you can. you won’t regret it

[@mr_flawlesstaco]

@@drewforbes8980 I've been trying too! Hopefully soon

[@yeahh3230]

@@drewforbes8980 saw them live once and fuck they are amazing, the rawness from the albums translates so well. I can’t wait to see them again.

[@pink1536]

@@drewforbes8980 I saw them at the portland show and it was so fucking sick I hope to be at the next one

[@TheRareVideosXL]

PUP seems to be one of the few bands currently who are universally loved,as least,from I have seen and that's a good thing.

[@grace-ru4yz]

Interesting review, I would definitely have it at an strong 7 light 8, but thank you for your ideas and thoughts

[@tyler3876]

My Norwegian friend turned me onto this band. I can’t believe you don’t like “Waiting” anymore, I think it slaps

[@TheVFDGamer]

it was in one of the best tracks of the week last year iirc, i was surprised to hear it had grown off him. it grew on me exponentially throughout the buildup to this album

[@tyler3876]

@@TheVFDGamer Same here. I love how fun it is and how grimy it sounds. And the lyrics are just hilarious.

[@frankoteston]

On its own, "Waiting" is an explosive track with great intensity. However, when you have multiple tracks in an album that are also slammed in terms of perceived volume, some songs are bound to lose their relative energy. I do like "Waiting" a lot, though.

[@HeyImKevin]

I would truly be embarrassed to upload a video where I explain that I understand that there are tongue in cheek jokes, but that I didn't fully understand the tongue in cheek jokes. You admit that there's a narrative that builds over the album, but you've largely ignored the implications of the narrative. If it helps, the leitmotif of Stefan on the piano isn't just a collection of increasingly shortening songs... It's the equivalent to a commentary track on a DVD. The album is about a band who has wanted to return to the conditions that a band finds themselves in while making a first album (little to no external pressure and a nearly unlimited time). When finally given the opportunity to do it that way for a large label, they go into the project gung ho thinking that they're going to just knock it out and make something amazing with little to no effort, but they get in there and discover that they aren't as self-starter-ish as they thought they were. They eventually find themselves in a situation where production has largely halted due to their lackadaisical attitudes, and they come to the startling conclusion that they're running out of both time and money. Habits isn't the worst song on the album, Habits is arguably the best song. In the context of the album narrative, Habits ushers in the beginning of the third act. The "sloppy" part is actually an extremely intricate manipulation of time signatures, and just as it's all about to fall apart they pull it out of the tail spin, and then begin LITERALLY saying "I've got to change these habits" as the song transforms into a more straightforward PUP song. Then, nose to the grindstone, there's a mellow song. Their newfound ability work on it like it was a job is working. But then the next song is the end result of doing something you love for money. "Where there once was a flame in my chest, there's only grim reaping". Coming to the conclusion that the long term effect of doing something without passion is depression, our heroes are presented with two choices: 1) continue to take things WAY too seriously to have fun Or 2) Four Chords part III: diminishing returns. In the final breakthrough, our heroes remember that major labels don't give a shit about artistry they only care about units being delivered and shipped. Rather than allowing themselves to be swallowed by the pressure of releasing a major label album, they close it with a passive aggressive tongue in cheek send up of the entire industry. The entire album leads up to a Ferris Bueller moment where, instead of "the sister being cool and not snitching", we get a reviewer who's going out of their way to tell the principal everything. Remember when Ferris was running through people's backyards to get back home before being caught? This review is the equivalent to one of those neighbors complaining that Ferris jumped on their trampoline to get over the fence. There's a whole lot of the story taking place that the neighbors didn't get to see, so to them it's just a story about a teenager trespassing on their property. I put more effort into this comment than you did to understand the album you were being presented with.

[@henrycurtis3652]

Well put.

[@SamHoyekGuitar]

I love PUP, their live shows are beautiful.

[@Aleph-Noll]

ill go see them this week! cant wait

[@liammurray2027]

Definitely a good follow up to Morbid Stuff, even if the songs aren’t as many bangers

[@NotoriousLightning]

Most of the "weaknesses" you mention make this record sound right up my alley. I'll be sure to check it out, Tony Boy.

[@batman113100]

strong disagree, this is at least an 8. lyrically I think this was on par with morbid stuff, can't wait to see where they go next.

[@JDay19]

Wouldn't call it a Strong disagree, you two are only off by 2 points

[@Sunny-lu9un]

@@JDay19 6 to 8 is like the biggest 2 point jump ever

[@godscactus7630]

I thought I liked this album, but thanks Anthony for telling me that I in fact think this album is a 6/10. Great video!

[@godscactus7630]

Good take, I agree ☝️ !!!

[@inforuimteschip5970]

damn, I can't tell anymore if people are sarcastic of insane.

[@JLMac322]

I can't rate this album objectively. It came out at a time when I was having my own breakdown and identity crisis, and it was like it was made for me. It's not their best album, but it might be my favourite.

[@wadekemmsies7180]

Anthony it's past your bedtime, go to bed young man

[@joemamahaha9636]

“like Conor Oberst having an emotional breakdown” so, just Conor Oberst

[@TheBestPizzaConnoisseur]

Have absolutely no idea what kind of music this is, but the album cover looks like something from ‘Don’t Hug Me I’m Scared’ so I’m intrigued

[@DTheAustralian]

Album cover lookin like Malcolm 2

[@drewforbes8980]

listen to the album morbid stuff it is so fucking good

[@cire0596]

Kinda reminds me of a Primus cover.

[@KiIIua_]

I honestly feel like your personal preference of kittens over puppies should not have played that big of a role in your overall judgement of this record. It was kind of uncalled for but you're the expert here so I won't question it. Thank you for the barking noises btw.

[@furrychiefkeef2454]

You gave this a 6 and this has 4 likes so that means its a 10

[@Jamhol3]

Surprised to see "Habits" listed as the weakest track. After several listens I'd put it just narrowly behind "Totally Fine" and "Puptheband inc...", as it's easily one of the strongest, catchiest and most emotionally impactful pieces here.

[@CommanderWar64]

For a second I thought you were going to say that those 2 tracks were weak. I agree, I like those songs, but that doesn’t discount everything else on the project IMO (even though Bankruptcy is probably my favorite). Fantano did misread the lyrics on that one and I’m surprised he didn’t talk about the riff, THE RIFF.

[@Jamhol3]

@@CommanderWar64 the RIFF is righteous, to be sure

[@steadyrhythms9571]

i wasn’t totally into pop punk yet when morbid stuff came out but i still thought it was good. since then, Jeff Rosenstock became one of my favorite songwriters, so I’m glad this release reminded me I would probably love PUP now. and i loved the record, really into how ridiculous it is front to back. haven’t listened to morbid stuff in a couple years but can tell this feels like a completely different album, but i still think it’s very great.

[@Sabbigdaddy71]

Dude seriously you have the exact same story as me haha. I love Jeff so much and he really has been the artist that has brought me into the genre, glad to hear someone with similar experience. All love !!🖤🖤

[@kobewilson2655]

Just got back from their show 5 mins ago and you posted this review hahah

[@trashpigeon1164]

Damn, sorry he just shitted on your band.

[@nicktendo69lmao99]

How was the show?

[@kelleyreeves965]

Also wanna know how the show went 🙂

[@sean640]

Kobe hell yeah

[@drewforbes8980]

@@nicktendo69lmao99 bro i saw them 2 days ago and it was the best concert i’ve ever been to. they finish off the matilda with the guitar solo from hotel california and it was amazing

[@illdozerband]

This album is an acquired taste. I didn’t like it at first, but it’s definitely grown on me.

[@Aleph-Noll]

same same. as a whole thing the morbid stuff album is still my favorite. but this one isnt bad, it just takes time to grow on you

[@TheMeanMongoose]

Well, yes, they are incredibly self-absorbed and I do think they are aware of it. They never really made music about larger world phenomena, their stuff is so personal, most of it sounds like a stream-of-consciousness rant. That is charming, as long as it is RELATABLE. Or at the very least funny. Like, "I'm said that my dog died" (Sleep in the Heat) resonates with more people than "Woe is me, I'm in a successful band and it's become a chore." Other than that, great record, but I would have went with a more down-to-earth theme.

[@PwnzratorX7X]

Sad that my chameleon died actually

[@TheMeanMongoose]

@@PwnzratorX7X yeah, sorry. I conflated it with the music video.

[@edwardgreen1621]

Agree with this. Had the same thoughts about the loud production and that the start of the album is stronger than the end. The last few songs just don't stick in my head in the same way as the earlier ones. Still enjoy the record and have no doubt it will grow on me.

[@TechnoAdamGuy]

Completely disagree. I personally loves this record. Feels refreshing during this time (considering all the shitty pop punk albums and the more chaotic and less accessible post punk albums we’ve been getting lately) to get a punk album that’s both hard hitting, has good songwriting, empathetic vocal performances, chorus arguably equally as catchy as on their last album while constructing a concept that tackles the mistreatment of bands like PUP from the industry by portraying themselves as a corporation more so than a band, and how that affects their mentality and existential views on life and music combined with their own personal trauma and pulling it off in a unique way. And I don’t think the lack of distinction of this album compared to other albums in this lane is a fair criticism as loads of great albums have featured pockets that are somewhat derivative of other artists, like the new BCNR album even had some elements that resembled Connor Oburst a little bit (such as The Place Where He Inserted the Blade) yet that album was amazing so I don’t see why it’s fair to criticise this album for that, especially where that Connor Oburst resemblance is used to help put this albums concept together with the Four Chords interludes that I personally think give this album more personality and more of a linear narrative and structure, rather than just completely ripping off the artist. But yeah, while I respect your opinion, I personally loved this album and would give it an 8/10 and will probably go down as one of my favourite punk records of this year

[@jeroen26]

saying habits is the worst track is just straight up slander

[@TheMetalTempestYT]

I did not know quite yet that Pup had a new album. Thanks for letting me know, Anthony! Cheers and rock on!!!!!!! 🤘 🤘🤘 🤘 🤘🤘🤘

[@ricardoediza2690]

I hope you didn't see the description yet

[@CommanderWar64]

@@ricardoediza2690 Eh, the only problems I have with the record are maybe a bit of mixing. Anthony’s points about maybe not vining with this record as much as Morbid Stuff are valid, but you shouldn’t expect a part 2 to that album. I’d give this album a solid 8.

[@Low-Fi-SCOTT]

Every time I have a favorite track on an album, I'll look to see if fantano reviewed it, & like clockwork the track he chooses to dismiss or trash is the one that's my favorite. Relentless rules, sir. *Explicit personal insults to the melon man*

[@steadyrhythms9571]

pup being overdramatic is quite an interesting take considering some of the nonsense bands like IDLES have been praised for, or even Denzel Curry (and i honestly have loved both). i mean ultra mono itself is just a messy commentary, as if joe ran out of things to say so they decided "hey, if we yell loud enough, maybe no one will pay attention to the absolute nothing the lyrics are saying." and then denzel, while i still enjoyed this last album, felt like he took himself too seriously. to me it sounds like he's coming off as if he's entered his "wise" era, but without being wise; he has all this serious production, the tone of voice, but i just don't think he said anything particularly fascinating. he just seems to rap as if what he's saying is groundbreaking and deep... and none of it really feels that way. meanwhile, pup is commenting on what no other pop punk band has ever done before: the strangeness of their own existence as a band. this feels like something youthful sounding bands have had to grapple with for years, with no one really finding a solution. what does a pop punk or teenish indie rock band do when they reach an age where it feels inappopriate? i think they may be in their own head, yes, but in a way that feels interesting and layered rather than embarassing to watch. i think the uncertainty portrayed further assesses how strange of situation they are in, and can be somewhat relatable as we consider as the listeners our own strange existences. anyway, pup is not a band i would ever think of as overdramatic. bombastic, witty, and admittedly unsure, but not really overdramatic. it doesn't feel like really anything they're singing is inaccurate or an overstatement.

[@Simte]

The concept of the album is very interesting. The lead up to the album release was all about selling out, one wonders if the mix is part of the concept, but yeah, it is loud asf.

[@artfuldodger0870]

My least favorite of theirs, though it's growing on me a bit. A fine concept, marred by some lackluster execution. The songs simply aren't as good and fully realized as on their other albums. That said, there's some great stuff on here, too. "Bankruptcy" is one of the coolest things they've ever done. And I like that they went for different tones and textures- I think that aspect mostly works. Though I feel overall it's their weakest record, I don't necessarily think this has to be a step back for them. It might be that this is a launching pad for a better album in this vein from them in the future. Some tighter songs filtered through this hazy, more shimmery sound from PUP could be incredible. 7/10

[@colleend3136]

I heard PUP is angry because you won’t review All Them Witches

[@nitjared6148]

id probably love this album if the production wasn’t complete ass. same thing happened with sister cities by the wonder years. they both have similarly blown out mixes

[@therockbottomcarpets3475]

This was easily my favorite PUP album so far

[@paddle_my_mad_laddle]

Whoa this is a crazy looking 6ix nine album cover

[@jeremyusreevu237]

Robot Writes A Love Song and Totally Fine are such bangers!!!

[@proximacentauri1842]

When RAMONA PARKS BROKE MY HEART?

[@Aphexrain38]

I miss my lhasa apso Buck Gizmo. I got him when he was 6 weeks old and he lived to be almost 19. He was such a silly fluffy funny crooked feet furball long brown bearded baby bubby boy. Rest easy best friend buddy🦮

[@avinelson8281]

Hey Anthony first want to say you're awesome and I enjoy your reviews and I was hoping you could review the new duster record named together. I haven't seen any duster content on this channel and thought this new album coming out of nowhere was a good opportunity.

[@TheVFDGamer]

he checked it out last week, last night on stream he said it wasn’t for him. maybe he’ll review it, but given how packed this week’s release schedule was, i hope he’ll use reviews on albums he likes rather than disliked or felt lukewarm on

[@thesnagglewolf]

I'm more positive on this album but I think I agree Morbid Stuff is stronger. Still, I love the swings they took on this one. It may be a little flawed but it's ambitious and interesting.

[@Luschan]

It’s interesting just how much importance Melon places on lyrics and concepts. I respect it, because it’s an important thing to consider as a reviewer. But I find that I don’t really pay that much attention to lyrics with most bands unless they’re clearly understandable without having to read along with them. It’s nice when lyrics are interesting or have some kind of meaning/narrative, but ultimately vocals are another instrument to me. Personally it’s way more important that the music is interesting, or enjoyable, or moves me in some way.

[@BenderRodriguez762]

same, personally lyrical content is the last on my list of concerns. I am completely okay only vaguely knowing what a song/ album is "about"

[@BudBonkerson]

There are some huge bangers and all-timer PUP songs on here but there are also some flimsier bits that I'm a bit colder on. I love the concept, though, and it's a lot of fun anyway.

[@jacobthompson9413]

Hey Anthony, I know it's been out for a minute but I'd be interested to hear your review of Pinegrove's new album 11:11. It took a few listens but has become my favorite project of theirs. The song Swimming in particular has been stuck in my head for weeks

[@wilbme99]

Dammit, I already told my friends I loved this album, and now Fantano gave it a decent 6. How can I show my face in public again?

[@johnpaulcross424]

I actually really enjoyed the concept and thought they executed well on every song, the interludes were fine but overall it was really enjoyable and I look forward to whatever other premature breakup albums they produce in the future

[@go2damoon555]

This is my first time listening to pup, I love the album def like a 8/10 for me. Can’t wait to get into their other stuff next.

[@dustinmcclure3487]

I Love how eclectic you are. Pup rules.

[@danman55555]

I was really underwhelmed by this album when I first heard it, but while I don't think it quite reaches the level of Dream is Over or Morbid Stuff, it's been really growing on me, especially after I caught their great live set earlier this week.

[@JamiesonKnowsBest]

Don’t think I’ve ever agreed more with anthony on a review, super well said. 10/10 review.

[@100FormsofFear]

Been waiting for this all week. Thanks for your review

[@Tuckeroutsidewalkapotty]

Hoping for FJM and Daniel rossen reviews soon!

[@zolothebolo]

nice seeing melon show his inner furry in todays intro

[@adamerwin3307]

hobo johnson walked so pup could... also walk I guess

[@damn.6329]

this is some *doggone* good music

[@danyaelgarcia]

"IM JUST BEING DRAMATIC" Line hits so mf hard

[@LG97187]

0:18 "puppier side of the genre" hahahaha, good one Fantano.

[@thedogoffaleash]

Seen them live like 6 times. GOATed

[@Felldohswrath]

Personally super enjoyed this one

[@StephenMcVerry]

Unraveling is good, Morbid Stuff was their masterpiece. Tough act to follow.

[@mxrandolph4539]

I listened to a few songs off of the pup album and Fantano is extrapolating on this album review. It sounds like Fantano woke up and wanted to hear himself talk. No hate but I'm offering an observation.

[@perkodanny]

Connor Oberest? Bright Eyes? The Daniel Johnston shit at the beginning. And throughout. I don’t even know how to feel about it. I’m not gonna say, “omg it’s sew good.” And I probably won’t listen to it again for a while. But, I feel it. Maybe more than you, young man.

[@DanMonio]

This record has really grown on me with multiple listens I hated it when I first heard it but I've grown to really like it. It's still their worst but it's hard to top their first 3 albums.

[@Yogurt4655]

same

[@NinjaWhaines]

Honestly surprised to hear so many people meh on it. Easily my favorite.

[@smurfette_blues7922]

Yes!!!! Been waiting for this review

[@RyuPhrog]

PUP REVIEW WOOO

[@smmaro3637]

Yes

[@terryo4352]

the final track is fucking AWESOME. cant wait to see them on 4/21! Always appreciate the unbiased input from theneedledrop. I am nowhere as picky about some of the technical stuff when, to me, the entire concept album and adjoining music videos (and other media) have been so entertaining for me. I think it's obvious, like AF said, this is a very self referential and pre-mid-life-crisis sort of creation. I would assume its been very easy to get to-deep into your own heads after the past 2 years. To me, the band looks happy and I love most of the album, so I'm 100% stoked on PUPTHEBAND and their corporate take over. As a shareholder I cannot wait to receive dividends for years to come.

[@wadestokan5855]

U wrong on this one

[@TheRealLemon94]

I keep coming back to this album every couple months, just to see if it grows on me, but it just can't catch me the way Morbid Stuff did. But I've kind of just arrived that it doesn't resonate with me, but that's ok. I'm glad they're trying new stuff with each album, even if it's not what I personally want this time around.

[@rajbhosale9157]

Naaahhh this an 8

[@BalloonSeasonArchive]

puppy

[@djmandimouse3035]

It’s “failing upwards,” not “falling upwards,” smh

[@RLSteffler]

Robot Writes a Love Song opens up sounding like a Vaccines song

[@riledriled6718]

But are they at their worst or are they totally fine, Anthony?????

[@umraansyed]

Review the Daniel Rossen album dude

[@MUSE1795]

My biggest gripe is the production. It's so muddy and mixed poorly

[@NotoriousLightning]

"Robot Writes A Love Song" sounds like something Boat would do on "Dress Like Your Idols." It's so good! Who says derivative can't be fun?

[@howtoeataham]

I honestly wasn’t a big fan of this album. I loved all the singles, and I think the songs by themselves were catchy and fun, but as an overall album, I thought it was a bit messy.

[@patient666zero]

Sick cover

[@teej7244]

If you don’t love this album, go figure yourself out, melon

[@ttarkus]

billy woods next?

[@georgesonofgeorge3771]

It not being perfect just makes it that much more punk. Fair analysis

[@PieterSneep]

Nail on the head with strong opening, weak middle/late, and strong ender. Little on the second half is memorable, but I love the ender track. Spot on! Edit: also agree some production is questionable. Probably intentionally noisy or just made different to sound different but not necessarily leading to a better listening experience. Like what is even going on on first half of Grim Reaping?

[@sundaddyglen9574]

Loved this album as I also love PUP, Babcock said himself he thinks pup fans will either love this album or absolutely hate it. As it came out I knew it was good but didnt know where to place it among their albums but the more I listen the more better it gets and I think im coming to terms its their best work yet which is kind of wild for me cause Ive put hours behind their others.

[@taylordenby4301]

I’d be curious what you think of the new Prince Daddy and the Hyena album since Kory stopped exclusively doing his screeching vocals

[@mychalmallen5434]

Anthony have you heard Niia’s Mouthful Of Salt? Incredible ambient/RnB album i think is worthy of a formal review. Think you’ll really dig it. Thanks for all you do!

[@zachmohl]

“Robot Writes a Love Song” was so good the rest of the album fell kind of flat for me.

[@drewforbes8980]

i love this album

[@michaelmyers6679]

This is maybe the most spot on review I've seen so far. After a few more listens, Id be willing to bump it to a 7 but that backhalf really does hold it down a bit.