Release Date: October 8, 2013 Genre: Pop Punk Label: Pure Noise Records
When State Champs announced The Finer Things, their debut full-length album, expectations were high. Since forming in 2010, the Albany-based pop-punk quintet has gained a reputation for revitalizing the genre with electric energy and anthemic, hook-driven tracks. But with The Finer Things, it feels like State Champs have crafted something truly special—an album that manages to be both nostalgic and forward-thinking, blending the golden-age angst of 2000s pop-punk with a fresh, modern punch.
Opening with "Elevated," the album sets the stage with a burst of energy, leading listeners through the excitement and confusion of young adulthood. Frontman Derek DiScanio’s soaring vocals cut through Ryan Scott Graham’s punchy basslines, while Tyler Szalkowski’s guitar riffs bring intensity and clarity. The song’s chorus is infectious, calling listeners to sing along as if they’ve known the song for years. It’s this feeling of familiarity—like a homecoming anthem—that makes the album instantly memorable.
Tracks like "Hard to Please" and "Prepare to Be Noticed" encapsulate the essence of State Champs’ sound. These are tightly wound, fast-paced songs that harness frustration, heartache, and resilience, with lyrics that strike a universal chord without feeling generic. The choruses are perfectly crafted earworms, a credit to DiScanio’s knack for melody and the band’s keen sense of dynamics.
Standouts like "Simple Existence" and "Deadly Conversation" reveal a more vulnerable side to the band, showing them grappling with insecurities and self-reflection. These tracks slow the tempo just enough to let the lyrics breathe and allow listeners to take a closer look at the sentiments beneath the energetic veneer. It’s clear that State Champs aren’t just about catchy choruses; they’re ready to tackle complex emotions in their music.
Perhaps the crown jewel of the album is "Easy Enough," the closing track that serves as both a mission statement and a heartfelt goodbye. It's reflective, taking stock of the album’s journey and leaving listeners with a sense of hope, a moment to pause and remember that growth isn’t a straight line.
Produced by Sam Pura and Steve Klein of New Found Glory, The Finer Things shines sonically. The production is crisp but not overly polished, giving the album a raw energy that brings State Champs closer to their listeners. It’s the kind of sound that feels built for live shows, designed to make venues erupt with sing-alongs and crowd-surfing from start to finish.
The Finer Things feels like an instant pop-punk classic, the kind of debut that showcases raw talent while hinting at even greater potential for the future. By keeping the genre’s best qualities alive while adding their own fresh perspective, State Champs have made a record that could easily become a staple for a new generation of fans. If this album is any indication, State Champs are on a fast track to becoming one of pop punk's defining voices.
Check out more from State Champs: Website: https://statechamps.band/
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