State Champs : Around The World And Back

On October 16, 2015, State Champs released their anticipated sophomore album Around The World And Back. In true pop-punk form, this album discusses life experiences both good and bad. Every track will have you feeling each emotion sung by vocalist Derek DiScanio, who lets you know we all go through the same battles. Around The World And Back has such strong lyrical songs they make you want to blast them at full volume and scream the words so everyone can hear. Alongside Derek is guitarists Tyler Szalkowski and Tony “Rival” Diaz playing amazing hooks that’ll get stuck in your head with bassist Ryan Scott Graham and drummer Evan Ambrosio driving each song rhythmically with constant beats you can’t help but get addicted to. It’s a powerful album, paving the way for State Champs to dominate the pop-punk scene.

This fall, State Champs is touring with The Wonder Years and Motion City Soundtrack. If anyone is questioning how amazing and talented these gents are, go see them live. I had the pleasure of seeing these guys two nights in a row for the tour kick off shows at Webster Hall in New York City. They were stoked on finally getting to start this tour, which was announced back in August, and they were happy to be playing NYC. It’s like a hometown show for them since they are from Albany and many of their families and friends were in attendance. It’s always special for bands to perform with loved ones present and I think that just added to the greatness of the night for them.

One thing that is difficult for some musicians is to be an opener on a huge tour and actually have the crowd participate and pay attention during their set. This quality is not something that State Champs has ever worried about. I’ve seen many bands live and I would definitely rate the live performance of State Champs in the top 10.

Fronted by Derek, he is full of energy and doesn’t stand still during any point in the set. He is jumping around, engaging the crowd and genuinely looking like he’s having the time of his life. He’s so charismatic and fun to watch, although he definitely makes you want to participate during the show by singing, screaming, dancing and just letting go to have a good time. Tyler, Ryan and Tony all match Derek’s energy to make sure everyone is having a good time. They move constantly during their set and truly energize the pop-punk music they’re playing. Ryan has long hair that he’s continually throwing back and forth in rhythm to his bass. Tony and Tyler both have energy for days it seems with the way they bounce around the stage. The four of them truly make you want to join in the jumping and singing and moshing. If they’re having such an amazing time on stage, why should the crowd not be having an equal amount of fun?

During this tour, the band features new tracks that hit off perfectly live. Their first single released, “Secrets”, was one of the loudest songs sung during their set. Fans were crowd surfing like crazy, jumping, and screaming the lyrics. It’s a song that’s extremely relatable to any fan. The pre-chorus and chorus kicks in with “because I dropped my forgiveness, it’s lying face down on the floor / I’ve got more secrets than you’ll ever know” with an accent on the words “on the floor”. Every fan in the room belted the words at full volume then went crazy for the chorus. It’s such an angst filled song but done in such an upbeat way that the crowd is able to be thoroughly engaged.

Another new track State Champs featured live was the hit “Losing Myself”. It’s a favorite of mine off Around The World And Back featuring more relatable words that need to be screamed. “Sometimes I think I’m bound for losing it all and I think I’m weighing, I think I’m weighing us down.” I’d be shocked if anyone hasn’t felt this way. Singing these words with a crowd of people that love them as much as you do is cathartic in a way some might not understand. If you’re in the pop-punk scene, you know exactly what I’m talking about. State Champs has brought back this scene in a huge way and Around The World And Back is only the beginning.

I highly recommend checking State Champs out this fall with The Wonder Years and Motion City Soundtrack. They are amazing live and are all around amazing guys. They’re sweet and love meeting fans; they usually hang out after every show to meet people. Take a look at their website for additional dates and buy your copy of Around The World And Back now!!!