Music Monday: Artist Spotlight – State Champs
As not only one of the best bands in the pop punk genre, but one whom received a large amount of popularity within the last year, State Champs have set the bar and have surpassed that bar so much that it’s out of sight. The group consisting of vocalist Derek DiScanio, lead guitar and back-up vocalist Tyler Szalkowski, rhythm guitar and back up-vocalist Tony Diaz, bassist and back-up vocalist Ryan Scott Graham and drummer Evan Ambrosio formed in Albany, NY in 2010.
The band is signed to Pure Noise Records and put out their debut and sophomore album along with their EP, Overslept in 2012 through them. In addition, they have self-released two EPs, EP – 2010 in the same year and Apparently, I’m Nothing in 2011.
EP – 2010
Released by themselves, their first EP is not as polished their two studio albums. Somehow it sounds less raw and unpolished than Overslept, which was recorded through a label. It’s interesting to look back at where a band began and compare it to where they are in the present. This EP is definitely something their fans enjoy going back to for DiScanio’s pure vocals and the instrumentals that take the listener back in time to the 90s-alternative scene.
Recommended songs: “Shades Of Gray,” and “Rooftops.”
Rating: 7/10
Apparently, I’m Nothing
Their longest EP, also released by themselves, sounds very similar to EP – 2010; after all it features all the songs that were on that EP. There are only four new songs on this one, and they do sound good, producing pretty much the same sound. However, there is nothing that is really new on this record compared to their others.
Recommended songs: “Hot and Bothered” and “I Would Try.”
Rating: 7/10
Overslept
This was their first EP released through Pure Noise Records and has a very raw pop punk sound that is heard in 90s-alternative band’s music. It’s a short EP, made of only four songs, two of them being re-released on their debut record and they sound much more polished on that one. The sound is good, however, the polished sound that they created after this EP sounds much better.
Rating: 6/10
The Finer Things
The Finer Things was State Champ’s debut album, where the quality of their songs get amped up while their signature sound most definitely remained present. This album is full of head-banging tracks that make the listener want to get up and start moving around in any type of way. Every song is a pure jam and not easy to tire of, between the fun and simple lyrics and wonderfully constructed instrumentals. This is a must listen record by State Champs and one that serves its purpose in the entertainment department.
Recommended songs: “Prepare to Be Noticed,” “Simple Existence” and “Hard to Please.”
Rating: 8.5/10
Around the World and Back
After their killer debut album, it was hard to believe that they were only getting started. The release of their second record was anticipated by many fans and the expectations were very high. Somehow State Champs took those expectations and surpassed them so greatly and put out a killer record that was one of the best of 2015. Every song is crafted even better than their first record with even more diversity. Like the slowed down, acoustic tune and title track, “Around the World and Back.” They still were able to stay true to their roots with songs like “Shape Up” and “Breaking Ground.” It’s a record that will no doubt be played for years to come.
Recommended songs: “Secrets,” “All or Nothing” and “Breaking Ground.”
Rating: 9/10
State Champ’s evolution of their records is consistent until the creation of their debut album, which changes things up in the best way possible. The change was definitely needed and is understandable as to why they needed so much time to develop who they wanted to be. By now, it seems they have determined who State Champs are and more greatness is to be expected from this talented band.
Allison Wulfhorst is a freshman majoring in journalism. To contact her, email her at akw5392@psu.edu.
