State Champs - Around The World And Back (Record Review)

Having anticipated its release ever since Secrets got released, I finally managed to give the new State Champs record a proper listen. Going in with certain expectations of the guys, I get a little lost at the fact that I hear nothing all too new in any of the tracks. But then again, it’s not like there always has to be something ‚new’ about a band whenever they come back with ‚new’ music.

Generally speaking, if you look at State Champs’ past releases, you get exactly what you can expect from these guys. But better. While ‚The Finer Things’ was an already well-rounded Pop Punk record from one of the US’ finest exports in said genre, ‚Around The World And Back’ is still an improvement to it. With a few special highlights, such as the anthem that is ‚Secrets’, the thundering (as far as you can go to describe something pop punk as thundering) chorus of ‚All You Are Is History’, the resolve to the calmer things with the title track and the perfectly chosen outro track ‚Tooth & Nail’ to finish it all up.

Personally, I can hear a lot of similarities to All Time Low strike in certain songs. Especially so in ‚Losing Myself’ and ‚All Or Nothing’. Which is not a bad thing at all though. It’s simply soaked with sources of inspiration and shows how they managed to transform and include those into their very own style.

While the lyrical content doesn’t impress me much, Derek’s voice makes up for it straight away, being one of my favorites across the genre.

Having been on tour with the likes of All Time Low and 5 Seconds of Summer in the past year, playing to huge crowds every night, these guys are gaining popularity like crazy these days. This record will only increase that matter with its ability to put you straight back to summer with its vibe, despite its autumn release and their upcoming winter tours.

Check out their next tour dates on their facebook page and make sure to roll over to one of their gigs if you got the opportunity to do so. As much as you might be impressed by them on record, get ready for their rise and their tremendous live performance.

Favorite track(s): Secrets, All You Are Is History, Around The World And Back

Overall: 7/10

Cheerio xx