#ThrowbackThursday State Champs celebrates 10 years of ‘Around The World And Back’ with sold-out show at Brooklyn Paramount | Photos & Review

April 23, 2026 Leave a comment

It’s no secret that State Champs has become one of modern pop-punk’s most influential acts over the last two decades. With over 830K monthly Spotify listeners, countless sold-out tours worldwide, and five full-length albums under their belt, the Albany four-piece first solidified their rise in the scene with their seminal 2015 record Around The World And Back. The band kicked off the new year celebrating the album’s immense impact with a short run of shows across the United States, including a sold-out show at NYC’s Brooklyn Paramount on Jan. 16th. 

Openers for each show varied, with Brooklyn being lucky enough to get Broadside, Real Friends, and Cartel all in one night. Frontman Oliver Baxxter took complete control of the stage beneath him as soon as Broadside’s set began with “I Think They Know.” With their fifth album now weeks away from release, the Virginia pop-rockers gave Brooklyn a taste of their most recent singles while still showing some love to older fan-favorite tracks. It’s almost impossible to describe the emotions radiating off the crowd during “Coffee Talk,” with every word of the band’s most well-known hit echoing throughout the venue. This was my first time being able to catch Broadside live despite listening to them since 2018 and it was everything I could’ve hoped for and more.

Real Friends was the next band on this stacked lineup, delivering a set full of catharsis, healing and pure pop-punk. You can check out my full review of Real Friends’ opening slot here. 

Cartel was the final opener of the night, intensifying the energy with a set full of 2000s nostalgia. The pop-punk icons began making music over 20 years ago and just recently made a massive resurgence in the scene last year. You’d never be able to tell, however, because the way they carry themselves on stage makes it seem as though they’d never left. It was fun to watch Cartel power through their massively influential hits while the crowd sang their hearts out alongside frontman Will Pugh. 

Even though it felt like the crowd had already exhausted all their energy for the three openers, Brooklyn Paramount came alive when it was time for State Champs. The 2,700 capacity venue was transported back to 2015 as the band performed a full playthrough of Around The World And Back. One of my favorite moments from the beginning of the night was the confetti that consumed the room as soon as “Secrets” began. It created a beautiful scene around me as fans frantically tried catching the falling pieces while singing their hearts out. 

State Champs shows aren’t complete without frontman Derek DiScanio and bassist Ryan Scott Graham running around like madmen. The energy that radiates off these two is seriously impressive as their stamina never falters for the entire hour and a half that they’re on stage. You can tell how much the band genuinely loves to connect with the audiences in front of them just by watching them. With every high kick, headbang and mid-air jump, State Champs is always prepared to give the crowd one hell of a show no matter where they are in the world.

There were two parts of the night that I was anticipating the most (and predictably lost my mind during). “Perfect Score” and “All or Nothing” have been in my top 10 State Champs songs since I started listening to the band in middle school. Getting to hear these tracks live, along with the rest of this quintessential record, was a seriously surreal feeling. Another surreal moment that found me losing my mind was when DiScanio welcomed Daisy Grenade on stage to perform “Around The World And Back” with them. I watched this happen when the alt-pop duo opened for State Champs in 2024, but this time was double the surprise and even more beautiful than the first.

Not only did State Champs rip through all 13 tracks on Around The World And Back, they came back out for an encore full of fan-favorites from the rest of their eras. “Elevated” and “Everybody But You” served as an epic finale to a night full of nostalgia, community and chaos, with massive mosh pits and endless crowdsurfers raging on until the very last chord. 

Whether you were there for the album’s release 10 years ago or recently discovered them 10 days ago, this show was the perfect embodiment of all that Around The World And Back has come to stand for since its release. This night was more than just a trip down memory lane–it was a celebration of the raw passion and authenticity that State Champs has brought to the genre for the last two decades. I’ve been able to see the band five times now, but this time around certainly showed them at their biggest and best yet. If I had to give the band rating, State Champs would definitely earn a “Perfect Score” from me. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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Winona Fighter commands KEMBA Live’s “ATTENTION” on The Prowler Tour |11/29/25 | Photos & Review

December 23, 2025 Leave a comment

Winona Fighter has spent the last year cementing themselves as punk-rock royalty. From the release of their groundbreaking debut album in February to playing non-stop shows all over the world since, the Nashville-based trio is one of the best and most exciting rising acts to hit the scene in modern years. Frontwoman/multi-instrumentalist Coco Kinnon, lead guitarist Dan Fuson, and bassist/producer Austin Luther channel their own vulnerability, blistering rage and emotional turmoil to resonate with their growing community that they’ve built from the ground up.

When it was first announced that Winona Fighter would be joining Waterparks on The Prowler Tour for select dates in the midwest and west coast, I was devastated. That initial devastation soon turned to scheming with my friends to see if we could make the trip out to the closest date from New York: Columbus, Ohio. Before I knew it, I was spending eight and a half hours in a car to see the trio at KEMBA Live on November 29th. 

The second Winona Fighter stepped on stage, it solidified that I had made the right choice in traveling so far from home. Kinnon wasted no time, immediately jumping and running around the stage from the first few notes of “R U FAMOUS.” The band’s live energy is unlike anything I have ever seen. They took full advantage of the short time they had to let everyone know what they’re all about. 

For a lot of Waterparks fans, they had no idea who Winona Fighter were before walking through the doors of KEMBA Live. While I had the time of my life screaming along to every word, it was even more thrilling to watch the people around me fall in love with their music. This is one of the many things I love about showing up to shows early in time for the openers. You seriously never know if you’re going to find your new favorite artist, even if 30 minutes ago you could barely remember who was even on the bill. 

The setlist consisted of the biggest heavy-hitters from My Apologies To The Chef, including “I’M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE NO ONE,” “You Look Like a Drunk Phoebe Bridgers” and “ Wlbrn St Tvrn.” The trio also gave the crowd an incredible cover of Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage.” I vividly remember being blown away by their performance of the song at their New Jersey headliner earlier this year and it was exciting to see others having a similar first-time reaction. 

While the response to the band was generally positive, it shocked me a bit that we had made it almost entirely through their set with no mosh pits. This quickly changed once Kinnon offered the crowd some motivation, exclaiming that they had a job to do and Waterparks would be very unhappy with them if there continued to be no moshing. They closed out their set with “HAMMS IN A GLASS” and the mosh pit that raged on from the center was almost enough to make up for the other seven songs. 

My apologies to anyone who still has yet to see Winona Fighter live. If driving eight and a half hours just to see them again doesn’t prove how good they are, I don’t know what will. Their shows, whether supporting or headlining, are some of the most vibrant and energetic spaces I’ve ever had the pleasure of being in. This year was only the beginning for Winona Fighter and I am stoked to see where 2026 takes them next. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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As It Is makes their triumphant return to New Jersey’s House of Independents |11/9/25 | Photos & Review

November 20, 2025 Leave a comment

For those of us who felt an As It Is-shaped hole in the scene when they announced their hiatus last year, we have never been more back. The British-American pop-punkers are currently on the road for their first United States headliner in over six years to commemorate their return and the 10th anniversary of their debut album Never Happy Ever After. On November 9th, I had the awesome opportunity to catch the band at House of Independents in Asbury Park, New Jersey for a very special show (that also happened to be on my birthday!).

Cherie Amour was the first band of the night and one that I have been dying to see live for a few years now. The energy during their set was absolutely electric. From frontman Trey Miller’s vibrant stage presence to their infectious songs, there wasn’t a soul in that venue who wasn’t moving whether they knew the band or not. 

 

 Bearings took the stage next fresh off the release of their most recent full-length album Comfort Company, which released two days prior. The Ottawa-based group delivered a high-energy set that was a fun mix of older fan favorites and tracks from the new record. I love catching these guys live and it was exciting to hear some of the newer songs, especially “Water Your Flowers” and “Float Away.” 

 

If I was to sit here and say I didn’t tear up a little bit once As It Is got onstage and opened with “Speak Soft,” I’d be the biggest liar. I’ve been listening to the band since 2017, but had never gotten to catch them live until now. They absolutely exploded with energy once their set began and you could tell just how much the crowd and the band had been anticipating this moment. 

The first half of their set was a full play through of Never Happy Ever After. “Dial Tones,” “Sorry” and “Cheap Shots and Setbacks” were some clear standouts of the night. It was awesome to watch everyone come together to celebrate a 10 year old album like it had been released yesterday. 

The second half of their set compiled songs from the rest of their discography, including their emotional new single “Lose Yourself & Find Your Way.” Before they played this one, frontman Patty Walters confirmed that new music was being worked on and the band’s fifth album would be released sometime next year. 

I was most excited to hear tracks from their 2017 album “okay.” and I think somehow the band sensed that. After “Patchwork Love,” Walters announced to the crowd that they were about to play a song that they haven’t yet on the tour and one that they thought “New Jersey would go crazy for.” I, in fact, went crazy because the song in question was “Hey Rachel,” which is my all-time favorite of theirs. It was so fun and special to hear this song live and I can confirm that New Jersey also went crazy for it too. 

The night ended with “The Stigma (Boys Don’t Cry)” and you could feel everyone in the room trying to hold onto the moment for as long as they could. This show was extra special for so many reasons. Not only was it a successful return back to the east coast for As It Is, but it was a full on celebration of their art and the community they’ve built surrounding it. Not to mention spending your 22nd birthday photographing one of your favorite bands since your teenage years is pretty cool, too. 

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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Idobi Radio’s Summer School Tour deserves straight As for sophomore year at Starland Ballroom | Photos & Review

September 7, 2025 Leave a comment

With their sophomore class featuring seven of the most dazzling rising acts in alternative rock, Idobi Radio’s Summer School Tour rocked New Jersey’s Starland Ballroom on August 8th. The electric lineup consisted of Huddy, If Not For Me, Arrows in Action, Beauty School Dropout, Taylor Acorn, Charlotte Sands and Rain City Drive, with each act delivering an unforgettable set that deserved straight As across the board. 

Huddy kicked off the night with “Vendetta,” the lead single from his soon-to-be-announced second record. The Los Angeles based up-and-comer warmed up the crowd with an undeniable stage presence and a setlist packed with infectious anthems. Huddy closed out his opening slot with “Cyanide,” an aggressively explosive track that features Palaye Royale and showcases his raw, invigorating live energy.

Huddy

 If Not For Me were up next and absolutely lit up Starland Ballroom from the first few seconds of their set until the very end. The Pennsylvania-born metalcore group were the heaviest of the night and gave New Jersey a lesson in guttural screams, intense mosh pits and neverending crowdsurfers. The four piece played some of their most popular heavy-hitters from their debut record Everything You Wanted, including “No Thanks To You,” “Blameless” and “Feel Me Now.”

If it wasn’t already clear, If Not For Me are one of the most electric and exciting new acts in metalcore. Frontman Patrick Glover has a commanding presence on stage that’s unlike any other, with his high-energy kicks, stellar vocals and emotionally-resonant screams that echo through every set of ears in the venue. The band’s effort to connect with the crowd paired with their inescapable passion for performing highlighted their intense energy that made If Not For Me a clear stand-out of the night. 

If Not For Me

Arrows in Action ran on stage in matching tracksuits as they threw inflatable basketballs into the crowd and the “Space Jam” theme song blared through the speakers. They kicked off their set with a mash-up of two of their recent singles, “Feel It Again” and “Light Like You,” from their upcoming sophomore record I Think I’ve Been Here Before that releases later this month. The pop rock trio delivered a fun, energetic performance of their new music and older fan favorites from their debut album Built To Last, including “Uncomfortably Numb” and “Over It.” Their breezy, interactive performance of “Head in the Clouds” was also one of the highlights of their whimsical and impactful set.

Arrows In Action

BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT delivered a high-energy set complete with their unrelenting, dynamic punk spirit. Opening with “FEVER,” the energy in the crowd completely shifted into a chaotic, thrilling atmosphere that ate up every second of their performance. This stayed consistent as they made their way through their 7 song setlist, before eventually finishing with “FIGHT MODE” as Starland Ballroom obeyed the lyrics and opened a mosh pit as if it was a cyclone. 

BEAUTY SCHOOL DROPOUT

Taylor Acorn put on one “Hell Of A Show,” as she opened her portion of the night with a dynamic performance of the track from her debut effort Survival In Motion. Arguably standing as one of pop-punk’s most interesting modern acts, Acorn delivered a set full of cathartic singalongs, infectious guitar riffs and vengeful anthems. “Goodbye, Good Riddance” and “Final Nail” saw the singer at her most vibrant and electric as the audience screamed back every word. 

Taylor Acorn

Charlotte Sands delivered the second to last performance of the night with her iconic bright blue hair and powerful vocals. Her stage presence was undoubtedly captivating and enticing. Her effortless ability to command the stage beneath her was undeniable from the moment she stepped on stage. Her set definitely rivaled If Not For Me’s for most crowdsurfers of the evening as it felt like every second someone was up in the air hurdling towards the barricade, especially during the heavy rendition of her most popular hit “Dress.” Sands concluded her set with her ‘brat-rock summer’ anthem “HUSH” that left the crowd in awe of her vigor and talent. 

Charlotte Sands

I knew Starland Ballroom was in for a treat the second I found out Rain City Drive would be headlining the evening. Skyrocketing to the forefront of the scene with their 2024 record Things Are Different Now, the group delivered a stunning display of their alt-rock grit and vulnerable lyricism with this heavy-hitting set. “Concrete Closure” and “Frozen” got the crowd relentlessly moving, from huge circle pits to multiple crowdsurfers having the time of their lives. It was the perfect end to the night and allowed the crowd one last hurrah before the school bell rang for dismissal. 

Rain City Drive

If I was the one grading this year’s sophomore class, everyone would receive a perfect report card. Idobi Radio’s Summer School Tour stands as a reminder of why it’s so important to foster community within the scene and uplift its most vibrant rising acts. Even long after Rain City Drive had concluded their set, multiple bands were hanging out at their merch tables chatting with fans, signing albums and setlists and thanking everyone for coming out. The touring festival’s sophomore year was a complete success and I’m super excited to see what’s in store for next year’s junior class.

Review & Photography by Amber Bintliff

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Joywave bring ‘Permanent Pleasure’ to New Jersey’s White Eagle Hall 5/21/25 | photos & review

May 31, 2025 Leave a comment

If you’re looking for a new “Obsession,” look no further than a Joywave show. The Rochester, New York indie rock superstars brought their Here To Perform… Spring 2025 Tour to New Jersey’s White Eagle Hall on May 21st with support from little image. 

The penultimate show of this tour began with a phenomenal opening performance from pop-rock trio little image. They were a fun start to the evening and I ended up completely falling in love with their music and pure talent. The band’s drummer, Troy Bruner, is admittedly the most fun to watch on stage. I lost count of how many times he stood on top of his drum kit to get the crowd hyped during and in between songs. 

Shortly after little image left the stage, fans began anxiously awaiting Joywave as soon as they unveiled the giant cat that’s featured on the cover of their latest record, Permanent Pleasure. This little guy is visually one of the best parts of the show and gets a 10/10 for being such a cute addition to their set design (especially when he starts spinning around!).

If there’s one thing Joywave knows how to do, it’s perform. Seriously, there was not a second of this show where my eyes weren’t glued to the men in matching blue silk pajamas that stood before me. Frontman Daniel Armbruster is truly a natural talent who could probably give the performance of a lifetime just about anywhere. The few moments I was released from this trance allowed me to take in the pure joy from those who surrounded me. Everyone in the crowd was singing and dancing like this show was the only thing that mattered in the world at that point–and ever would. 

Their setlist blended a mix of songs from Permanent Pleasure, along with some gems from the earlier parts of their discography. “Hate To Be a Bother,” “Funny Thing About Opinions,” and “Traveling at the Speed of Light” are some Joywave songs I hope are never retired from their time in the setlist spotlight. 

The night ended with the classic double “Destruction,” a track off the band’s 2015 record How Do You Feel Now? that has pretty much taken on a life of its own. Armbruster joked about how they played the song 7 times in a row the last time the band played in New Jersey, confusing an entire crowd of people and probably making them feel like they were going insane. Unfortunately, the state of New Jersey was not blessed with “Destruction” 7 times over this time around, but twice was just as fun. 

I think I’m at the point in my life where I can safely say that I’ll never miss a Joywave show whenever they’re in town. This night at White Eagle Hall was yet another reminder of how much the band enjoys what they do and how dedicated they are to giving their fans a show they’ll remember for a long time. Their shows are a treat, from the immaculate stage presence, good music, and comedian-level jokes scattered throughout the set, Joywave is a band you’ll want to see live at least once in your life.

Photos & Review by Amber Bintliff

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