State Champs New Self-Titled Album in Review
State Champs, a pop-punk band from Albany, New York, are about to release their self titled album. Typically a band’s self-titled album is what defines them the most and this album does just that. After only the first listen I could understand why fans are so eager to listen to the album come November 8th. The album consists of twelve songs, including the already released singles 'Silver Cloud', 'Light Blue', and 'Too Late to Say'. The three singles give an insight to some of the themes seen throughout the album, 'State Champs'. All the songs on this record have the classic edgy instrumentals and have the standard pop-punk feel you would expect. State Champs have done this very well throughout their almost fifteen years as a band, and are definitely consistent when it comes to their sound.
The album starts off with 'The Constant', an upbeat song that makes for a great opener. This first song talks about the betrayal of someone close, possibly a friend or maybe a past lover. While the electric guitar rips in the background, lyrics like “But you sold me out/ From inside my house,” and “Put all my trust in your promise/ That never meant a thing” are being sung. The instrumentals mixed with the lyrics and overall how the song is sung really pushes the anger of this betrayal.
A personal favorite song of mine, 'Sobering', is a song I can see myself jumping and crowd-surfing to, but the lyrics have me feeling a different way. This song dives into a toxic relationship and the feelings of trying to get out but falling back into it. Then to eventually, just being numb. Both the album’s closing song 'Golden Years' and 'Just a Dream' both take on the theme of self-doubt. It feels like State Champs are unsure of what comes next throughout these songs. With that being said, this album doesn't feel like anything new to the band. While they have had success with what they are currently doing, I’d love to hear something new.
In general, State Champs’ self-titled album is a good album, do not get me wrong on that, I just feel like they are playing it safe. While this album has its standouts, a lot of the songs sound similar to their other songs. Overall, this self-titled album does define State Champs to me. While songs were similar, this album is put together beautifully and has a really good flow to it. I am excited to see what comes next from State Champs in the future.