Written by: Lyric Beyerl
Albany, New York pop-punkers State Champs (lead singer Derek DiScanio, bassist Ryan Scott Graham, Evan Ambrosio on the drums, and Tyler Szalkoswki as the guitarist) are hard at work with their next studio album underways but in the meantime, they recently released an acoustic EP simply titled Unplugged. The six-track EP has four brand new songs as well as two of their more popular songs from their last album, Living Proof, which were stripped down and revamped.
The first song, A Thousand Hearts is a rather cute campfire love song, one that I imagine will be a rather intimate live performance in the future. The feature of Maryland based saxophone player, Saxl Rose, adds a layer of jazz vibes that is nice (also can I say how happy I am that more alt bands are having Saxl Rose on their songs?) Following in its place The Recipe calls for love as its ingredients, another sweet song that plays wonderfully with Derek’s vocals and the acoustic sounds. The lyrics “If time is fleeting let's embrace this mess” is a reminder that while it may not be perfect, because flaws do exist, then you still have the will to decide if it's enough and if so to hold on.
10 A.M. is less happy-go-lucky but more about pent up angst and dwelling on unrequited love as the question “When will my love just be enough?” takes center stage. It’s a reflection on self-hatred but more importantly the struggle learning to love yourself. The song still has that acoustic, chill feel to it, played with synths and a drumming line. Their leading single, Crying Out Loud is a pretty catchy tune about love and longing, the story of being too scared to let anyone else in after years of rejection. The feeling of heartache may make one numb and set aside from the world as a coping mechanism. “You were all that I want, but now you made me believe that I can’t depend on anyone after all.”
Living Proof was released in 2018, State Champs took Criminal along with Dead and Gone from that album and gave it an acoustic voice. Criminal, usually an upbeat track was revamped to a watered-down version of itself. It’s not bad per say, it's an easy enough listen but nothing to write home about. Dead and Gone had an original sound that was made for moshing but this version stripped down its tune and instruments yet still managed to keep its catchy, sing-along factor.
Some songs stuck out to me while others are a learning process. Overall it was an enjoyable listen, perfect for that slow-paced chill we mood we may be in.