When Canadian rock band Sum 41 first hit it big in the U.S. with the single “Fat Lip” in 2001, they seemed to be working hard to fit the stereotype of “snot-nosed punks,” with the sneering vocals from frontman Deryck Whibley (who was just 21) and lyrics about partying and getting into trouble. Combining elements of pop-punk, hip-hop and heavy metal, Sum 41 embraced the rebellious, obnoxious elements of all those genres. That style helped Sum 41 become one of MTV’s biggest acts of the early ’00s, with further hits like “In Too Deep,” “The Hell Song,” “Still Waiting” and “We’re All to Blame” airing opposite videos by the most popular boy bands and pop princesses.
Whibley and the rest of the band members have grown up a lot since then, and Sum 41’s sound has matured, even if they still know how to have a good time. All Music called the band’s recent seventh album, Order in Decline, “one of Sum 41’s most earnest and thoughtful statements to date, a compact burst that recalls a wide swath of influences.” From snot-nosed punks to accomplished purveyors of social commentary, Sum 41 have taken quite a journey, and there’s still plenty more to come.
House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, 6 p.m. Oct. 16, starting at $33.50 plus tax and fee, 18+. 702.632.7600
