Some people may remember the amount of “hype” there was around PUP’s first record away back in 2014. It took me a while to listen to it because for some reason I remember it taking ages to get released over here in the UK. I finally managed to hear it when I found the whole thing on YouTube.

It took a while to land. I don’t think I was in the right place to appreciate it at the time, but it did worm its way into my head and I’ve been enjoying it ever since. In fact, it was Dan Ozzi’s review over at VICE which really made me listen to the band a little harder. Then it was a cover of “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)” for the AV Club when I properly realised I loved this band.

Why it took me until 2016 to see them is anyone’s guess, but there it is.

Their new album drops on May 27th 2016 and it’s pretty fucking good. I’ve had it for a few weeks and I’ve grown to adore it. There will be reviews, lots of reviews I suspect, which will laud the band on this is a natural progression, that this is a band operating on the next level, and all of it is valid. But honestly, fuck all that. Listen to the damn record. Make up your own damn mind. If you like the band, you’ll probably love it.

I recorded this interview immediately after Modern Baseball, and Stefan was very generous with his time. He probably regretted it immediately afterwards because when we got back to the venue they were just setting up to go on.

Anyway, the interview that follows is awesome. It was a nice relaxed vibe, and you can tell that he really, deeply loves what he does. You can also tell he’s thought about the band and his life intensely over the past couple of years.

I hope you enjoy the episode.

 

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