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LIVE REVIEW
STATE CHAMPS
NX - Newcastle - 25th February 2025
"Pop Punk Perfection - State Champs Bring the Energy to NX"
Photos and Review: James Robinson @shotsbyjsr
State Champs bring a stacked pop-punk lineup to Newcastle as they hit Europe on their winter tour for their self-titled album. With support from Broadside and The Home Team, the night was packed with infectious energy.
Broadside got things started and came out swinging. High energy from the get-go and a dynamic set which balanced their softer and heavier songs well. Frontman Oliver Baxxter also had great humour that shone through and added that extra layer that makes sets stand out.
Broadside got things started and came out swinging. High energy from the get-go and a dynamic set which balanced their softer and heavier songs well. Frontman Oliver Baxxter also had great humour that shone through and added that extra layer that makes sets stand out.
Broadside
The Home Team followed and were a band I’d never listened to before. They came out, quite literally, kicking and jumping, bringing the energy to a whole other level. Synchronised jumps, spins, and so much movement I could hardly keep up! I was pleasantly surprised to hear their ‘heavy pop’ sound as I was expecting something closer to hardcore. They had a surprisingly varied sound and crushed the time that they had. I genuinely think some fans came exclusively to see these guys, that’s how good they are!
Home Team
It’s finally time that State Champs take the stage. Seeing them in a mid-sized venue made it feel intimate as these guys can easily take control of festivals and much larger venues. They’re easily one of the best in the game when it comes to a classic pop-punk show and this was no exception. Although it wasn’t a sell out, it was still crowd surfers galore and the energy of a band still trying to prove themselves. Their latest album was on full display but we were still treated to some classics such as ‘Criminal’, ‘Secrets’, ‘Dead and Gone’ and ‘Losing Myself’ to name a few. The sound was as punchy as ever and Derek's vocals were on point, although at times drowned out in the mix.
As the set winds down, the guys certainly don’t. Closing with ‘Everybody but You’ and ‘Secrets’. The show may have been played in a mid-sized venue this time, but their performance was nothing short of festival-ready, proving once again why they remain one of pop-punk’s finest acts.
As the set winds down, the guys certainly don’t. Closing with ‘Everybody but You’ and ‘Secrets’. The show may have been played in a mid-sized venue this time, but their performance was nothing short of festival-ready, proving once again why they remain one of pop-punk’s finest acts.
State Champs