What’s better than a pop punk summer, you might ask? A pop punk fall. On the heels of their fifth full length self-titled album, State Champs is back full forced with a new high energy anthemic single, “Common Sense,” just in time for spooky season to start.

With the recent revival of punk angst and recognition that no, punk is not just a phase, State Champs has been making waves in the sea of alt-rock and pop punk for over a decade and has come well prepared to deepen their roots in the scene as they continue to evolve and produce hit after hit. Originating in 2010 from Albany, New York, Evan Ambrosio, Ryan Scott Graham, Tyler Szalkowski and Derek DiScanio demonstrate their consistency and dedication to the scene with their new single. “Common Sense” blasts off immediately with a post-hardcore modern take on a nostalgic style punk riff, just begging to be moshed to. My mind immediately transported me back to the 2004’s comedy “Eurotrip” where Lustra’s “Scotty Doesn’t Know” opening riff originally altered my brain chemistry.

Really demonstrating guitarist Tyler Szalkowski’s impressive versatility, the guitar sounds progress throughout the song. A short three seconds into it, banging drums join in to build the rhythm — that then explodes with catchy lyrics and some word play with the phrase “common sense.” “We never had a ‘sense’ in common, cause I was never what you wanted.” Vocal layering gives the chorus and bridge some extra depth. This track is a bit heavier than previous releases, an evolved direction the band might be moving towards; however, it still contains State Champs’ signature classic hooks, dynamic guitars, and Derek DiScanio’s classic mix of tender and controlled vocals with perfectly placed raspy screams.

State Champs has an exciting fall ahead of them, hitting the road for a U.S. tour with A Day To Remember and Yellowcard, as well as taking the stage at several large festivals and ending with the Emo’s Not Dead Cruise in January.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

September 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – Four Chord Festival*

September 14 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater

September 16 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion

September 17 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

September 18 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life*

September 19 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center 

September 21 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

September 23 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

September 24 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

September 26 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

September 27 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

September 28 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre

October 2 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival*

November 15 – Orlando, FL – Vans Warped Tour*

November 16 – Orlando, FL – Vans Warped Tour*

January 2026 – Miami, FL – Emos Not Dead Cruise*

For all things State Champs related: Official Website | Spotify | Instagram | Apple Music | TikTok