As rock operas go, Fucked Up's 2011 effort makes The Black Parade look like Mame. With its award-hoarding concept album David Comes to Life, the Canadian hardcore sextet chronicles the sad but stunning tale of David Eliade, a punk-rock protagonist who works in a British light-bulb factory, falls in love, loses his lady and loses his shit. The plot line is, well, fucked up, but with lead singer Damian Abraham and his raucous band of mayhem, that's often the point. Whether watching or listening, taking in the band's bark-and-twitch antics is like willfully participating in a live mental breakdown. Though in a cycle of savage anthems and cross-generational angst, Fucked Up's ends always justify its meanings.
Fingers Crossed: If you are lucky — and close to the stage — you will soon be the owner of a sweaty, sloppy bear hug from lead animal Abraham himself.
