SINGLE REVIEW: The Bad Ups - Better Than You
From their debut LP "Life of Sin," Philly’s The Bad Ups deliver ‘Better Than You,’ a standout track that draws on punk's roots while weaving in vibrant modern elements. Frontman Travis McKayle, of Jamaican descent, has repurposed the term “baddup”—Caribbean patois for treating someone roughly—as the band’s name, a fitting choice given their tough but catchy sound. McKayle’s vocals are a highlight, exuding an exquisite tone that layers well over a dynamic blend of ska's upbeat rhythm and gritty punk riffs, with subtle nods to the rough-edged authenticity of Oi punk and even a dash of pop punk’s introspective lyricism on love and loss.
The track is built on solid chords, with a punchy, singalong chorus that makes great use of gang vocals, adding to its anthemic quality. There’s an energy here that captures the spirit of punk—an homage to the captivating melodies of bands like Bad Religion, matched with the raw urgency of Operation Ivy. The drumbeats drive forward with relentless energy, propelling the song’s momentum, while the guitars maintain a brash, yet infectious rhythm that feels equally at home in a packed basement venue or on a festival stage.
For me, The Bad Ups have nailed it with ‘Better Than You.’ They’ve harnessed punk’s diversity and added their own unique flair. I can’t wait to spin "Life of Sin" in full—The Bad Ups have definitely marked themselves as a force in today’s punk scene, and they’re everything I want from the genre right now.
