Recommended for fans of: Blink 182, Neck Deep, Knuckle Puck, and The Wonder Years
Albany-raised pop punk band State Champs is releasing their highly anticipated fifth studio album and self-titled record today (November 8th, 2024) via Pure Noise Records. Nearly 15 years after the band’s formation, lead singer Derek DiScanio, bassist Ryan Scott Graham, guitarist Tyler Szalkowski, and drummer Evan Ambrosio, found themselves at different points in their personal lives: marriage, kids, and relocations across the country all made for a new kind of relationship dynamic.
Compiled of 12 tracks, the songs on this record explode with passionate and smartly constructed precision. Produced by Anton DeLost (Mayday Parade, Hawthorne Heights), the bold and catchy production offers a larger than life sound — the same sound heard while decimating the stage during live shows. It’s a perfect example of how the band has become a major contender in the realm of pop punk, championing the genre over the past decade.
State Champs have always been a standout band in the pop punk scene. With their self-titled album State Champs, they knocked it out of the park, as always. The band continues to define what it means to be a band at the forefront of youthful angst and later, adulthood. They have been building a sound that’s been truly mastered over the years — allowing them to be easily identifiable in an ever-growing genre. This album boasts a satisfying mixture of tracks with solid guitar work and emotional lyrics. Many of these songs easily are on their way to anthem status.
The album opens strong with a song called “The Constant” which provides a powerful and melodic start, setting an immediate tone for the album. Track two, “Silver Cloud,” continues to keep that same upbeat sound with uplifting and jump-worthy guitar riffs. (This seems to be the fan favorite so far, at least going by the stats for their music video here.)
A personal favorite was the ninth track titled “I Still Want To” which opened on a heavier note soon followed by some of the best guitar work and drums of the album. This track stood out to me as the most unique on the album and truly gave a sense of real life. The song seemingly to be about a relationship that needs to end, yet you still feel like you need them.
Closing out the record is a track called “Golden Years” — a transformative, punchy-drum song that subtly sums up the transition from their early years to present day. With themes of looking back one last time and finally moving forward, the song details the importance of not forgetting the past — rather yet, remembering for what it was, while appreciating what life has to offer during this next chapter.
Overall, this album doesn’t have one bad song. Each song offers a versatile blend of sounds and emotions. Some other highlights of this record include: “Too Late To Say,” “Sobering,” and “Tight Grip” as well as “Just A Dream” which sounds reminiscent of Blink in the intro. “Save Face Story” also teases a dash of Fall Out Boy. Though all inspirations aside, every song has rightfully earned a special spot on this album’s tracklist.
Ultimately, State Champs is an amazing pop punk album with musical themes trailing through real life and victory. As artists, State Champs have proven they’re still at the top of their game, creating an album that combines the high-energy spirit of pop punk with an evolved sound that speaks to both new and long-time fans. They’ve composed an album that feels both nostalgic and relevant at a later stage in life with an extensive track list of songs — all which look at the turbulence of life with both defiance and acceptance. State Champs is the sound of a band that has come into its own — it’s impossible not to love this album and be proud of the growth and success State Champs has had as they approach their 15th anniversary together.
Overall rating: 8 / 10
Complete track list:
“The Constant”
“Silver Cloud”
“Clueless”
“Light Blue”
“Too Late To Say”
“Hell Of It”
“Sobering”
“Tight Grip”
“I Still Want To”
“Just A Dream”
“Save Face Story”
“Golden Years”