Review Summary: Short, but oh so very sweet.
State Champs are a 5 piece pop-punk band from Upstate New York. ''Overslept'' is the follow up to their 1st EP ''Apparently, I'm Nothing'' and ''Overslept'' continues on in the same vein. Their style can be described as quintessential pop-punk.
The EP begins with fast paced opener ''Tonsil Hockey'' which introduces us to their sound. A guitar solo opens things up and is a great opening to what is ahead.
''Critical'' is up next, it starts off with a nice guitar melody and as soon as vocalist Derek Discanio's voice kicks in it's obvious that he has a near perfect voice for this style of pop-punk. The chorus is extremely catchy, with Derek hitting some nice highs. His pitch and tone are fantastic.
''We Are The Brave'' keeps the wheels turning, with again a great guitar melody opening, the opening line is brilliant.
''How many times do you say that you're sorry, and that you think I'm up to no good. You know I've said it before I'm not a monster, I'm just misunderstood''.
Another very strong song. A nice guitar riff, with some very good drumming compliment the singer and is a great backdrop to a very impressive vocalist.
''Remedy'' finishes off the EP, and is probably the strongest song on here. A great melody, and a great guitar, fast drum beat, and once again, the vocalist hits some great high's and low's.
Each band member contributes to this EP, guitar work is fantastic, with some great riffs and melodies, the bass is inaudible, but does it's job in backing up the guitars, the drumming is also above par, with some great beats and timing, but vocalist Derek Discanio, is the obvious highlight of this band.
The strongest aspects of this EP is it's catchiness and it's replay value. I'm sure at least 1 part of a song will be in your head for days, and the replay button will be used several times. Fans will be salivating at the thought of a full-length that definitely has the potential to be as good, or even better than this is.
The only real downside to this EP, is it's very short running time. As soon as the EP has finished, you are waiting for more, and this unfortunately doesn't come.
For the short time that this is spinning, you will be able to tell that Pop-Punk isn't dead yet.
