[Photo courtesy of Vanessa Heins]

By Isabella Ardetto, Contributor

Toronto punk heroes PUP are back with a characteristically chaotic single, “Olive Garden.” What started as an acoustic demo turned into one of the band’s heaviest tracks on their upcoming record Who Will Look After The Dogs? available May 2 via Little Dipper/Rise Records. 

Read more: Tune-Yards release new single “Heartbreak” 

In a press release, frontman Stefan Babcock says: 

“This is a very stupid, but also wonderful song. The band get all the credit for turning it into something really special. Zack (who plays drums) heard my cute little acoustic guitar demo and decided we should try and make it as heavy as possible. Which is objectively, a very annoying thing to suggest. But you know what, I’m glad I kept my stupid mouth shut, because it works. There’s a real magic in the way these sweet vocal melodies are bludgeoned by a wall of disgusting, grinding, detuned guitars. The whole song is kinda upsetting and uncomfortable but also, catchy and fun. And I don’t care what anyone says, ‘Olive Garden’ rhymes with ‘Grandma in a coffin’ – listen to this crap and tell me I’m wrong.”

The band also released a video as goofy as the song, directed by the band’s bassist, Nestor Chumak, that truly captures the band’s trademark blend of humor, angst, and a touch of absurdity. 

Following the album’s release, PUP are set to tour through Europe, the UK, Australia and North America. The band will team up, long-time friend and collaborator Jeff Rosenstock, who will co-headline during the North American run. Tickets can be purchased here. Regarding the tickets, the band noted the following in a press release: 

“We are offering low-income tickets for this tour! There will be a limited amount of tickets for every show available for $20 at the venue box office*. We know times are shit and hope this helps some people down to the ol’ gig who wouldn’t otherwise be able to! And we must admit, we completely stole this idea from Los Campesinos! who have been doing it for a while and encouraging other bands to offer this as well, so thank you Los Campesinos! for the inspiration.”

Driving the insanity ever further, PUP plans to bring “Olive Garden” to Toronto. During a once-in-a-lifetime event on May 1, the band will host a fully immersive album launch that is wholly committed to the bit. The event will feature an album playback, short live set from PUP, Olive Garden-inspired music, decor and food from Matty Matheson’s beloved Rizzo’s House of Parm. RSVP here. 

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