On April 30, Fucked Up will bring their genre-defying brand of hardcore music to Union Stage. Those unacquainted with the Canadian band might need a moment to process its gleefully incongruous blend of upbeat melodies and screamed vocals. The group’s latest album, One Day, adds to a discography that spans more than 20 years. Over the course of that career, Fucked Up have evolved from the garage-style sound and lyrical edginess that defines classic punk to something more customized and polished. Working with labels like Merge and Matador over the past 15 years, the band have come to incorporate rich layers into its music, dispensing hints of shoegaze and other indie subgenres. One Day boasts explosively upbeat instrumentals, underpinned by Fucked Up’s signature, evocative lyrics—the band uses sea ships, cicadas, and other symbols to muse on the passage of time. The album’s promotional tour will build on its high energy, with punk bands Dark Thoughts and Gnawing serving as supporting acts. Fucked Up’s shows are notoriously rowdy, with one of its performances in 2007 even causing MTV Canada to ban moshing from its live shows. D.C. concertgoers can expect a sweaty evening. Fucked Up play at 8 p.m. on April 30 at Union Stage. unionstage.com. $20–$40.
Fucked Up
