For eight years now, New York’s very own genre frontrunners State Champs have been delivering masses of high energy tunes to fans all around the world (and back). 

There’s a reason these youngsters are leading the way in modern pop-punk evolution and this is showcased during their recent tour, celebrating their third full-length release Living Proof.

Joined by Woes, Stand Atlantic and Seaway, the troupe bring the UK run to a close in Bristol, before they cross seas to mainland Europe. Despite being halfway through the tour already, there is no short of energy in the room throughout every set.

Having released their latest record Living Proof earlier in the year, five-piece State Champs have been living the cloud nine lifestyles. They’ve been on the road practically non-stop for the last ever Vans Warped Tour through the summer and straight into this headline tour.

As soon as they come on stage, joined by an explosion of pyrotechnics, they have clear confidence with their music and stage presence. This is a band that has taken their growth in their stride and embraced new levels of sounds in their new songs; which are performed in abundance during this tour.

They keep the set consistent, playing a similar (if not the same) collection of songs that were heard on previous nights. This doesn’t show as a flaw for the band, in fact this clearly has built their confidence, resulting in a flawless pop-punk party.

Criminal and Frozen kick off their performance with a bang and they throw in tracks such as Lightning and Mine Is Gold to keep the audience jumping.

The band throw in some of their classics to bring the night to a close. With Elevated and Secrets to really get the fans singing along. A headline spot in Bristol isn’t an unfamiliar occurrence for State Champs, but with the most songs in a set they’ve ever done before, this time is special for many locals.

Photos: Jess Boswell