State Champs - State Champs

If there’s one thing State Champs have perfected, it’s the art of writing a top-notch pop-punk tune. So it should come as a surprise to nobody that this new self-titled album is packed with exactly that: anthemic, high-energy tracks that stay true to their roots while continuing to craft their sound. Their signature angsty niche is still there, but robust guitars, strategically placed backing vocals, and even occasional impactful moments of silence make for an impressively well put together record. Take ‘Hell Of It’, for example, where grinding guitars build tension before its ambitious choruses. Similarly, the delightfully grungy instrumentals in ‘Silver Cloud’ provide a textured base for Derek DiScanio’s vibrant vocals. Derek’s vocals are a highlight throughout; blending grit with his staple bold intonation, he creates moments that invite heartfelt singalongs. From the explosive bridge of ‘Sobering’ and the joyous choruses in ‘Light Blue’ to the raw emotion during ‘The Constant’’s “like a fucking con artist” line, ‘State Champs’ is an album made for singalongs during their raucous live shows. ‘State Champs’ isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it showcases what State Champs do best: blend infectious hooks, punchy vocals, and anthemic choruses for a roaring good time. In fact, five albums into their career, they may have just made the quintessential State Champs record.