State Champs - ‘State Champs’ review
State Champs by Manuel Barajas
After nearly 15 years together, the members of State Champs find themselves at different points in their personal lives, with marriage, kids, and relocations across the country making for new kinds of relationship dynamics between them as a band. After over a decade as one of the most recognisable names in pop-punk, their new self-titled album showcases just how they’ve worked through this to bring us an album full of classic pop-punk guitar riffs, anthemic choruses and relatable lyrics.
Opening with a burst of energy, "The Constant" sets the tone for the album. It dives right in with driving guitar riffs and punchy drums that create an upbeat feel for an emotionally charged song. Exploring feelings of being overlooked and underappreciated in a relationship, Derek DiScanio’s vocals deliver a catchy yet relatable tune that will no doubt make for a great live performance.
The album’s second track and lead single "Silver Cloud," has all the angst you’d expect to find in a classic pop-punk tune. Played out through catchy, anthemic choruses, reflective lyrics, and dynamic instrumentals, the song is all about being stuck in the cycle of a mundane and unfulfilling life. We see this in the music video too, where DiScanio seemingly snaps and breaks this cycle, with a cast of characters played out by the rest of the band.
"Clueless" is all about the idea of unrequited love and the frustration that comes along with it. Featuring an instrumental break before the bridge which stands out as a memorable moment, the song is set to be an anthem that will resonate with those experiencing love and all its confusion for the first time.
Slowing things down slightly, "Light Blue" brings a nostalgic melody that evokes memories of first crushes and heartbreaks. The track bounces between the conflict of wanting to cherish memories while wanting to move forward at the same time. Speaking to Alt Corner, the band said, “Have you ever been transported back in time, for better or for worse, simply by the smell of something or someone? Inspired by Dan & Shay’s “Tequila,” we put our energetic spin on this concept with ‘Light Blue.’” It’s a light-hearted track that reminisces and rollercoasters between airy, bouncy guitars and pop arrangements to a full-blown fuzzed-out chorus that will have you banging your head in between memories you didn’t ask to be dug back up.
With "Too Late to Say," the band gets introspective by delving into fears of losing yourself and facing unresolved emotions. The song features some quite emotionally heavy lyrics held up by high-energy instrumentals, offering a sense of catharsis with the opportunity the song presents to shout about these feelings without having to go too far into the emotion of it all.
"Hell of It" is another infectious, high-energy song reminiscent of those nights spent with good friends and talking until the sun comes up. Musically, the song features punchy drums and guitar riffs throughout the choruses, complementing the feeling of excitement of staying up all night with your favourite people.
As the album’s more mellow and atmospheric moment, "Sobering" stands out with its restrained instrumentals, which allow the lyrics to take center stage. Continuing the album’s theme of emotional vulnerability, this track explores the feelings we sometimes try to ignore, creating a thought-provoking pause amid the high-energy songs.
"Tight Grip" brings the energy right back up again with a sense of classic pop-punk defiance to it. The song’s chorus is reminiscent of mid-2000s pop-punk with the shouty lyrics and bouncy instrumentals, offering a sense of belonging for those who feel as though they’re on the outside of things and not wanting to be told what to do in order to fit in. This is a track that will lend itself perfectly to live performances and one that audiences are sure to get jumping to.
Filled with catchy guitar riffs, "I Still Want To" keeps an upbeat tempo even as it dives into the theme of indecision surrounding past relationships. The song captures the relatable urge to reach out to an ex, despite knowing it’s a bad idea.
"Just a Dream" brings back the introspection heard earlier in "Too Late to Say," but this time we’re delving into the bittersweet memories that stick around, even when you try to move on. The tenth track on the album shows off dynamic drum work complemented by gritty guitar riffs.
The brilliant "Save Face Story" features an unexpected collaboration with German hardcore band Slope. Blending Slope’s hardcore elements with State Champs’ signature anthemic, catchy style brings an edgier sound to the penultimate track on the album. Just like other tracks on the album, "Save Face Story" grapples with feelings of self-doubt and awkward relationships.
Finally, "Golden Years" rounds off the album with themes of leaving the past behind and embracing what lies ahead. Driven by upbeat guitar riffs and a steady yet fast-paced rhythm, this closing track leaves listeners on a high note, ready to face the future.
Overall, State Champs's self-titled album is an exploration of classic pop-punk themes and sounds, and while it may not be a genre-defining album, it’s fun, catchy, and the emotional honesty throughout the lyrics is sure to be an absolute hit when played live.
State Champs from State Champs is out now via Pure Noise Records and available on all good streaming platforms.
