State Champs are well-acquainted with the UK, whether they’re headlining their own shows, rocking out at Slam Dunk, or supporting massive bands of the scene like Simple Plan. With their high-octane performance, the American pop-punk band brought along Broadside and The Home Team for an unforgettable UK leg of their European tour. Not disappointing with their final electrifying show promoting their self-titled album, they really delivered a show bursting with energy and excitement.
First up was Broadside, who you may know from their 2015 hit Coffee Talk off their second album Old Bones. Since then, despite not quite replicating their early success, the band has maintained a loyal fan base. This becomes instantly clear from the crowd’s resounding reaction. Frontman Oli Baxxter’s lively performances, including his solid voice and engaging stage presence, engaged the audience from the start. They also know how to laugh at themselves as before the track The Raging Sea Baxter humorously addresses issues with their old label Victory Records, stating that “They own our first two albums; they own one of my socks!”. A shoutout to Coffee Talk’s impact as it remains strong with the majority of the crowd enthusiastically participating. The upbeat Foolish Believer then serves as a fitting conclusion, showcasing the fun Broadside aims to deliver.
Baxxter also joined the next support act, The Home Team, for an energetic performance of Somebody Else’s Face. Their frontman, Brian Butcher, also contributed vocals to Broadside’s song Cruel. Unfortunately, the vocal mix for these exciting guest performances was somewhat difficult to discern. The Home Team started strong with a heavier, groovier sound that got the crowd moving, though they didn’t quite resonate with me.
The Home Team delivered some impressive moments, particularly with synchronized spins and kicks from guitarist John Baran and bassist Ryne Olsen, though at times the theatrics felt excessive. Their energetic opening transitioned into alt-metal vibes with Hell, and a change in tempo for Slow Bloom caused a dip in momentum. While the audience stayed engaged, the initial excitement faded over time. Their closing track, Loud, infused with trap and R&B elements, brought back some energy but didn’t quite match the earlier intensity. The band seemed to have a great time, though there was a noticeable disconnect between their energy and that of the audience.
State Champs, as expected from a headliner, show no such disconnect and take to the stage with vigour. They immediately kick off with Silver Cloud from their recently released self-titled album. Their mastery of the pop-punk genre shines through. Frontman Derek DiScanio struts around in his backwards cap, perfectly capturing the essence of the genre. Their set spans all of their albums and is delivered with near-flawless precision, ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
The energy in the venue was electric, with neither the band nor the fans showing any signs of slowing down. Losing Myself receives an rousing reception, with the crowd’s enthusiasm lifting the roof. The nostalgic anthem Mine Is Gold sparks roaring singalongs, the audience passionately chanting “Your heart is black and mine is gold!” during its angsty choruses. The fast-paced Outta My Head from the 2023 album Kings of the New Age injects adrenaline into the bouncing crowd. Now the mosh pit truly comes to life.
The Constant and its catchy chorus, along with the playful Tight Grip, are notable moments of the show. These performances truly ensure that tracks from the latest album are as equally embraced as the classics. In such a long, action-packed setlist fans expressed their enthusiasm for both new and old. As expected, they also performed Elevated, dedicating it to the supporters who have been there since the beginning. The crowd joined in, singing along to the chorus, marking a collective acknowledgment of State Champs’ growth over the years.
Afterwards, we get another fun cameo as Slope’s vocalist unexpectedly joins the band for Save Face Story. It’s a fleeting but electrifying highlight that adds an extra layer of excitement. Yet, State Champs don’t rely on guest appearances to captivate the audience. They have an abundance of energy to carry them through the performance. The band leaves everyone eager for more as they wrap up with an encore of Everybody But You and Secrets as the stage is showered with confetti.
This concluded a spectacular show and the final leg of the tour. State Champs once again proved why they are pop-punk favourites. They delivered unmatched enthusiasm and a highly polished performance, reflecting their years of experience!
Photos captured by Jemma Dodd at the Birmingham show.
