With nearly 15 years under their belt, State Champs have always been a band unafraid to evolve, but with their self-titled album, their fifth, they’ve brought pop-punk back to its roots in a way that feels both fresh and invigorating. The record showcases a band that’s comfortable in their skin, balancing youthful energy with the wisdom that comes with years of personal and professional growth. It’s a return to the genre’s fundamentals while still pushing boundaries with confident experimentation.
From the very first track, the album delivers the high-energy hooks, catchy riffs, and heartfelt lyrics that State Champs fans know and love. But there’s something different this time around — it’s a band that has found their voice not only as musicians but as people navigating adulthood. Themes of self-reflection, change, and growth run through every song, reflecting the personal evolutions each member has experienced in their lives outside of the band—marriages, relocations, and the transitions that come with them.
Produced by Anton DeLost (known for his work with Mayday Parade and Hawthorne Heights), the album strikes the perfect balance between big, polished production and raw, palpable energy. The sound is sleek, yet still carries the unmistakable feel of a band jamming together in a room. There’s a palpable intensity that drives each song forward, with layers of catchy hooks and anthemic choruses that stand in stark contrast to the sterile, overproduced pop-punk of the past.
One of the standout moments on the album is the track ‘Save Face Story’, a collaboration with German-based hardcore funk band Slope. It’s a bold and unexpected fusion, but it works. The song breathes new life into State Champs’ sound, merging their signature pop-punk energy with funk influences in a way that feels seamless. It’s this willingness to experiment and step outside of their comfort zone while staying true to their roots that really sets this record apart.
What’s clear on this album is that State Champs have honed in on their identity. As bassist Ryan Scott Graham puts it: “Every era of State Champs exists within this record,” and it’s true. You can hear echoes of their earlier days alongside their more refined, mature sound. Tracks like ‘Sundress’ and ‘New Beginning’ will resonate with long-time fans, while others like ‘Anxiety’ and ‘Save Face Story’ show the band branching out in exciting ways. But no matter where they go sonically, their energy, authenticity, and passion remain at the heart of everything they do.
State Champs are finally steering their own ship, and they’re doing it with confidence and purpose. It’s an album that feels like a culmination of everything they’ve worked toward, a reflection of both their journey as a band and as individuals. If there was ever a time for State Champs to take control of their destiny, this album marks that moment.
Fans across the UK are in for a treat as the band embarks on their upcoming UK tour, where they’ll bring their signature energetic live performances to cities including London, Manchester, and Glasgow. The new material promises to light up the stage, and it’s a chance for fans to witness this chapter of State Champs’ journey firsthand.
In a pop-punk scene that’s often criticized for becoming too formulaic, State Champs is a reminder of the genre’s power when it returns to its roots. It’s bold, it’s honest, and it’s a statement that this band isn’t just playing the game—they’re redefining it.
The band recently announced a 13-date tour across the EU and UK in spring 2025 with support from The Home Team and Broadside:
Tue 11 Feb 2025 Die Kantin, Cologne, Germany
Wed 12 Feb 2025 Übel & Gefährlich Hamburg, Germany
Thu 13 Feb 2025 Hole 44, Berlin, Germany
Sat 15 Feb 2025 Dynamo, Eindhoven,Netherlands
Sun 16 Feb 2025 Zappa JC Antwerp, Belgium
Tue 18 Feb 2025 Engine Rooms, Southampton, United Kingdom
Wed 19 Feb 2025 O2 Academy, Bristol, United Kingdom
Fri 21 Feb 2025 Project House, Leeds, United Kingdom
Sat 22 Feb 2025 O2 Ritz Manchester, United Kingdom
Sun 23 Feb 2025 SWG3 Galvanizers, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Tue 25 Feb 2025 NX, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Wed 26 Feb 2025 O2 Institute, Birmingham United Kingdom
Fri 28 Feb 2025 O2 Forum Kentish Town, London, United Kingdom
- Preview: Punk all-dayer for summer 2025 - 18 November 2024
- State Champs - 10 November 2024
- Half Man Half Biscuit - 8 February 2015