Stateside - Where You Found Me (2025) Hi-Res

Perhaps a recession indicator, pop punk crept back into mainstream consciousness. Come on, who doesn’t associate the classic pop punk sound with the 00s? Though the revival era showcased a steady climb, we are in the throes of it. However, local heroes Stateside offer a picture-perfect example of this, beginning with their DIY roots, eventually culminating in a loyal, cult following—just as the greats did before them. Their latest album, Where You Found Me, features the same awe-inspiring energy as the genre’s definitive records. Where You Found Me, paired with Stateside’s recent tour with Anxious and Ultra Q, suggests they are preparing for their best season.

The first notes of “Heads Up Big Guy” affirm my audacious thesis. A punchy chorus emphasizes bold lead vocals and subtle sprinkles of screams. Impressively, Stateside’s take on this technique is refreshing, rather than antiquated. Big, bright guitar tones showcase a spark of unbridled energy that acts as a repeated motif throughout the LP. This era might be the precipice for Stateside; their timing couldn’t have been more perfect. People yearn for records that sound like this. “Heads Up Big Guy” revives feelings of hearing Fall Out Boy for the first time on a shared family computer (remember those?) Of course, the modernized contexts the band provides are simply the cherry on top.

Others have noticeably caught onto the Stateside wave, too. Features from Knuckle Puck and Vamachara round out the world Stateside’s music lives in, while holding their stance as up-and-comers. However, they may have already up-and-come—Give people a few more months to catch up to the rest of us. But honestly? It feels amazing to say “I told you so.” The Knuckle Puck feature especially stands out, with a chorus containing “Dear Maria, Count Me In” potential. Consequently, many of these tracks evoke similar feelings. Sure, nostalgia plays a part; I’m heavily immersed in the scene; that’s no secret. You can find me behind (or in?) the DJ booth at emo nites regularly. Bias aside, something feels different about Stateside, like when State Champs were first making waves.

There’s so much good music out in the genre right now, with artists like Stateside taking the lead. Truthfully, I found myself unable to offer any criticism for the record. Instead, I’ll offer a bold prediction: Where You Found Me will soon be remembered with the same passion as those that we praise from 20 years ago.

Stateside are a breath of fresh air; while their modern perspective provides a bit more excitement to familiar sounds, they haven’t deviated so heavily from the source material that it becomes unrecognizable. Some bands try so hard to be unique that they end up on the other side, but not Stateside. They are confident enough in their sound that Where You Found Me is a flawless record.