Shutups - “100Punk”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 7; Popularity Index: 4

Pairs Well With…Franz Ferdinand, The Walkmen, Disq

Shutups take jangly indie rock, classic punk, and new-wave pop influences to craft their sound, one that has been shaped over the past seven years leading to their latest full-length I can’t eat nearly as much as I want to vomit. While fusing different rock genres, Shutups rarely sound confusing, sticking to each song’s core while stretching all the surrounding elements with purpose. It makes the heavier moments that much more impactful and gives their music real dynamism. For all their garage rock influences, there are hooks here that are borderline power-pop, smartly placed amongst more adventurous elements for a studied sense of balance. All these descriptors aside, Shutups are a fun, energetic rock band and one that will own whatever stage that take come SXSW 2023. (Kevin McStravick)