Alternative Pop
Oh Wonder, “Ultralife”

Harmonic delicacy like no other, this duo consistently delivers on their soft-and-sweet presence within the alternative pop vein. This single is no exception – and almost a step up from what can be heard on their self-titled debut album from two years ago. A tightened melodic structure serves as a beneficial accompaniment to this group’s blossoming sound.

Pop Punk
State Champs, “Slow Burn”

The only thing that could make State Champs’ last album release better is more of it—and that’s exactly what they did. “Slow Burn” is a continuation of Around The World and Back, performing as an additive onto its vamped up deluxe edition. The band is prolific as ever in the lyrical department, and its aggressively passionate and precise guitar flows seamlessly with the atmosphere of the rest of the previously released piece.

Indie Pop
Bleachers, “Don’t Take The Money”

Synth has a mind and a voice of its own where Jack Antonoff is
concerned. This band obtains undeniably one of the more inexplicably captivating ones, as intensity is somehow utilized as a tangible essence through the power in its well-crafted melodies. Here is music that “steals the air out of my lungs, you make me feel it,” as the song suggests.

Dance-Indie Pop
Misterwives, “Oh Love”

You can’t go wrong with a firecracker of a lead singer, who showcases powerful vocal wrath, and hard-hitting instrumental groove to balance. Misterwives are a bewitching bunch, bearing a hearty wholeness in every department of dance-indie pop. This time around, they amp up the ferocity and ultimately achieve a new level of vigor that leaves anyone lit and fiery from within.

The post New Release Round-Up: The Hidden Gems of Pop Music appeared first on Red Roll.

The festival day was a grueling, humid and 90-degree one, featuring artists from The Story So Far to Yellowcard. But less-than-ideal weather circumstances sacrificed neither excitement for, nor dedication to, seeing pop-punk group State Champs take the stage.

Filing on stage one by one, lead singer Derek DiScanio brings up the rear before they dive into “Shape Up”, an easy way to pump up any potentially worn crowd. Not even nine hours in the heat could stop this audience from reciprocating the vigor exerted by the band.

The same caliber of liveliness ensues, as State Champs tear through well-adored tracks from their most recent album, Around the World and Back, including “Perfect Score” and a favorite scream-along anthem, “All You Are Is History”.

Not to be forgotten are older tunes, like “Elevated” and “Simple Existence”. Another older song, “Remedy” had to be cut, as dark clouds settled above the stage and lightning in the distance called for a slightly shortened set. But unless you have the tour setlist memorized like myself, it is hardly a noticeable disappointment when compared to the electric delivery of the rest of their performance.

Secrets to Performative Success

Pounding melodies in each State Champs song are executed by both their instruments and high-energy movement onstage. DiScanio is hardly ever in one place for more than a few chords at a time, keeping the crowd and the band as hyped as possible the entire way through. Things close out with the first single released from Around the World and Back, titled “Secrets”.

Even following sets such as Good Charlotte and Sum41, who fulfilled all the angsty needs of my adolescence, State Champs were easily a favorite of the day. They proved their breakthrough artist title by effortlessly rejuvenating this festival’s vitality. It was a set I desperately wanted to revisit and experience again, as I searched for my car in the vastly dense Warped parking lot with ringing ears. Until next time, Festival Champs.

The post In Review: State Champs Exceed Champ-Level Expectations appeared first on Red Roll.