After nearly fifteen years of steady, genre-defining work, State Champs are back with a self-titled album that doubles as a triumphant nod to their legacy and a fresh, energized chapter in their evolution. Fronted by Derek DiScanio, Albany’s pop-punk stalwarts have crafted their fifth studio release as an exploration of their journey both personally and musically. As bassist Ryan Scott Graham put it, this album captures “every era of State Champs,” resulting in a powerful blend of nostalgic vibes and invigorated songwriting. From the heart-pounding opener to reflective mid-tempo tracks, State Champs delivers the band’s quintessential sound with an unmistakable depth and polish.
Produced by Anton DeLost, whose work with artists like Mayday Parade and Hawthorne Heights has made him a respected name in emo and pop-punk circles, the album channels gritty, guitar-driven energy with a sleek, radio-ready finish. The production maintains a raw band-in-a-room feel, adding weight to songs that range from introspective musings to all-out anthems. Tracks like “Silver Cloud,” with its bright, punchy sound and catchy chorus, see DiScanio break out of the rut of a routine life, bolstered by a music video that perfectly captures the song’s sense of liberation and defiance. In “The Constant” and “Hell Of It,” the band leans into relentless tempos, with explosive choruses and lyrics steeped in resilience and defiance.
The album's thematic range is a testament to State Champs’ growth. Songs like “Light Blue” tackle nostalgia with a twist, capturing fleeting memories of scents and feelings that transport us to another time. This track’s lighthearted vibe and bouncy guitars contrast with the heavier, fuzzed-out chorus that creates an emotional ebb and flow. Similarly, “Too Late To Say” is a standout that showcases the band’s vulnerable side, exploring the fear of self-loss amidst life’s whirlwind pace. The accompanying music video, with the band performing on a moving truck, visualizes this theme of barreling through life too fast to savour the moment.
“Just A Dream” and “Golden Years,” which closes the album with a combination of hope and wisdom, resonating with anyone who has looked back on their life’s journey and seen the beauty in both the highs and the lows. These songs represent a reflective turn for State Champs, blending their trademark upbeat sound with thoughtful, mature songwriting that explores the nuances of growing up and finding one’s way.
With lyrics touching on themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, the album strikes a chord with listeners who have been with State Champs since their early days in bedrooms and basements. Songs like “Clueless” and “Tight Grip” delve into personal struggles, bringing an introspective edge to the band’s discography. This lyrical evolution is both refreshing and fitting, reflecting the band members’ real-life experiences with marriage, parenthood, and the distance of moving across the country.
With State Champs, the band cements their place as enduring leaders in pop-punk, expertly balancing the nostalgia of their early years with an invigorated perspective. This album isn’t just a recap of State Champs’ past but a statement of who they are in the present, encapsulating every stage of their evolution with impressive cohesiveness. It’s a record for longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering infectious energy, relatability, and a clear vision of a band still in their prime.
State Champs will be heading back out on tour this fall, stopping in cities across North America. Supporting them on this tour are Knuckle Puck, Meet Me at the Altar, and Daisy Grenade.
2024 North America Tour Dates:
November 8 – Austin, TX – Emo’s
November 9 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
November 11 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
November 13 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
November 14 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre
November 15 – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom
November 16 – Seattle, WA – Showbox Sodo
November 18 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot
November 19 – Denver, CO – Summit Music Call
November 22 – Detroit, MI – The Majestic
November 23 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room
November 24 – Cleveland, OH – The Agora
November 26 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
November 27 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts*
November 29 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Mainstage
November 30 – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
December 1 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues
December 3 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
December 4 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
December 6 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
December 7 – New York, NY – Webster Hall
*No Knuckle Puck
Check out more from State Champs: Website: https://statechamps.band/
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