State Champs

State Champs deliver a masterclass in modern pop punk that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly polished. Their sound is defined by Derek DiScanio's incredible vocal range, which cuts through dense walls of distorted guitars with melodic precision. Unlike the grittier, lo-fi origins of the genre, this is high-fidelity music designed for massive stages and loud car speakers, characterized by infectious hooks and driving, double-time rhythms.

What sets them apart is their technical proficiency and the sheer brightness of their arrangements. While many of their peers lean into the 'sad' side of the genre, State Champs often maintain a sense of forward-leaning momentum and confidence. The guitars are crunchy and percussive, the drums are snappy and relentless, and the choruses are engineered for maximum sing-along potential, often featuring the 'gang vocal' style that defines the Pure Noise Records aesthetic.

Start with 'The Finer Things' to hear the raw energy that put them on the map, then move to 'Around the World and Back' for a more refined, melodic experience. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who loves the early 2000s pop-punk explosion but wants a modern, more technically accomplished update on that foundational sound.