STATE CHAMPS // OLD FIRE STATION BOURNEMOUTH

State Champs create 00's nostalgia in Bournemouth

⭐⭐⭐⭐(4/5)

STATE CHAMPS AT THE OLD FIRE STATION, BOURNEMOUTH
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI

Pop punk pioneers State Champs made their way to Bournemouth, ready to uplift and cast a wave of 00’s nostalgia. Currently gearing up to support UK giants Don Broco on their upcoming UK tour dates. The band treated the little seaside town to a special intimate show. I will say for a band of their calibre, being in the Old Fire Station may have seemed an odd choice, but it only added to that youthful nostalgia.

But before we went back in time, we were presented with future talent in the form of a support act: High Regard. The four-piece went on to hype up an already filled room with dedicated fans filming and singing away. Young and clearly talented, they were a joy to watch, particularly the drummer, who, although at the back, was brimming with happiness doing what he loved. Tracks like “Life Sentence” & “Dead to Me” were so standout they left many of us scrolling through their socials out of interest. 

After the High Regard set, an emo disco ascended with songs acting as another support act, playing Blink 182’s “Feeling This” and My Chemical Romance’s “Welcome to the Black Parade” before rounding off with the now classic The Killers’ “Mr Brightside”, to which even the band themselves were singing as they waited on the side stage. Because for some reason it's become a British staple.

The Old Fire Station's intimate setting worked wonders for not only sound but also atmosphere. Kicking off with “Tonsil Hockey”, the band wasted no time in turning the venue into mayhem. Crowd surfers emerged within the first 60 seconds; it was clear everyone was in for a wild night. 

Hits like “Criminal” and “Light Blue” had the room jumping so high fans practically met vocalist Derek at eye level. He, however, encouraged them further with every jump punctuated with enthusiastic cries of “fuck yes”. You would never have thought that this band had landed just the night before; there was no ounce of jet lag, just pure adrenaline reverberating from the small four walls. Derek's vocals were some of his strongest to date, powerful, precise and stable even while sprinting across a tight stage; they all made use of it like true pros. 

Fifteen years into their career, a venue like this must feel reminiscent of their early days. Between gratitude for their fans and the annoyance towards Delta Airlines who lost the bassist's luggage, leaving him with nothing but a tracksuit. Giving a special shout out to TK MAXX for being his saviour and last minute stop for his new stylish tour wardrobe. It all added to their laid-back charm. The style influences of earlier pop punk bands, Blink 182 among them, were clear not just in sound but style. Sporting backwards hats, skater aesthetics, and an effortlessly cool quality that doesn't feel forced. 

It instead felt like being back in our college days, where you would chase nights like these and watch the coolest bands around. 

Tracks from their earlier days, such as “All You Are Is History”, felt like a timeline of their career to date. But from there they’ve managed to elevate it further to a modern age where it still sounds up-to-date, infused with the pop-punk sounds of the 00’s. Their latest self-titled release saw them in a darker and heavier direction, evident in tracks like “Hell Of It”. But the beauty in this is they’ve found the perfect balance of staying true to what is easily their own sound but playing with different elements that work for them. While it didn't make the setlist, it was more of a celebration of their career across 15 years. 

Closing with “Secrets”, which is an anthemic burst of determination and signature State Champs spirit. Rounding off the night with this track is the kind of excitement that can only come from a cramped, sweaty pop-punk show. As they now cross the UK with Don Broco, Bournemouth was lucky to witness a pre-warm-up show and in it’s best form. It was special, nostalgic and we were transported back to simpler pop punk days, revelling in cram-packed venues where nothing but the energy and vibe carried the evening regardless of space.

REVIEW BY: KIRSTY BRIGHT
PHOTOS BY: CHARIS LYDIA BAGIOKI