Released 8 November
Pure Noise Records
It’s damn near impossible for State Champs to produce a bad record.
If you don’t believe that, then their fifth self-titled LP is likely to see your thoughts twist otherwise. These upstate New York pop punkers have gained strength to strength since their inception with label debut The Finer Things and exploded into the music world with Around the World and Back before defining their staple sound on Living Proof and Kings of the New Age.
‘The Constant’ kicks in with familiar territory, nonchalant grooves and undertones of a break-up anthem. It’s as if the boys are jumping straight in with where they left us in 2022 with vocalist Derek DiScanio’s powerfully sweet voice drawing us in effortlessly through all of the emotional trauma. Lead single ‘Silver Cloud’ ups the ante with punchy guitars and strong velocity in the only way a pop punk anthem can reach us. “I don’t feel it raining now…” has you reflecting on your own life at the same time. As the band have developed their sound over the years, they’ve grown content with themselves and how they stand in the music scene.
‘Clueless’ powers through with some incredible drumming courtesy of Evan Ambrosio that complements the simplicity of the lyrics. With ‘Light Blue’ delivering summery pop grooves interlaced with crushing guitars akin to that of a blink-182 tune, it’s again a reminder that Champs are maintaining their cult status as “kings of the new age”. This mainstage energy transitioned smoothly onto ‘Too Late to Say’ and its style feels reminiscent of the Around the World and Back era. An album that saw the band escalate their popularity through the stratosphere, State Champs is something that will stand the test of time.
While alot of this album did sound same-same throughout the middle, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad thing. Much like their earlier pop punk counterparts (Simple Plan, for example), when a band seemingly nails their sound from album to album, the band only gains even more momentum and cements their longevity in music. While releases like Living Proof and 2022’s Kings of the New Age helped in shaping what Champs wanted to sound like, this self-titled release embodies the spirit of their earlier records with their newer experiences and success. Ultimately, you can rest assured that the boys aren’t going anywhere but the forefront of your mind from here.
‘Tight Grip’ offers up straight up, fiery pop punk in the best way which sends us back to 2012, while ‘I Still Want To’ delivers a heartfelt apology to that old flame in your life and has you thinking “what if…” Laced with punchy chords and a hard determination to succeed, the guitars on this track are slick and the melodies are just as memorable as ‘Criminal’.
Every pop punk record has to have a happy ending right? ‘Just A Dream’ carries optimism in the best way, high-energy guitars exploding like your favourite high-school anthem. But it is ‘Save Face Story’ that is the biggest track on this release. Amidst the pumping melodies, there’s a cool hip hop style influence and we can only be reminded of Sum 41’s ‘Fat Lip’ here. Interlaced with a heavy tinged riff over the post-chorus breakdown, this feels like one of the band’s most experimental track yet. Final track ‘Golden Years’ features a hooky chorus meshed in with that optimism that we adore. The boys definitely saved the best for last as these final tracks offer some of the finest anthems we’ve heard this year. We want more of this, guys!
Overall, State Champs will never disappoint. While not exactly groundbreaking in the slightest, the band have once again nailed an album release and it’s proof they continue to be a Pure Noise icon. Spruiking plenty of high-energy enthusiasm in the form of strong, fast-paced guitars, clever lyricism and contagious melodies, this is a must-listen album for any pop punk fan.
Rating: 8/10
Review by Tamara May
Purchase/listen to State Champs here
State Champs – State Champs tracklisting:
1. The Constant
2. Silver Cloud
3. Clueless
4. Light Blue
5. Too Late to Say
6. Hell Of It
7. Sobering
8. Tight Grip
9. I Still Want To
10. Just A Dream
11. Save Face Story
12. Golden Years
