state champs — CONCERTS & EVENTS

The Pure Noise Records tour brought pop punk and mosh pits to the House of Blues in Cleveland last Wednesday.

Bearings started out the show. They immediately brought energy to the room and had fans jumping and singing by their first song. From “Better Yesterday” to “Sway,” they played a fantastic set.

The energy did not let up when Just Friends took the stage. They were not what I was expecting in the best way possible. This funk rock band, on an otherwise pop punk heavy bill, had everyone in the building dancing. Concerts are always more special when you can tell the band is putting their all into a performance and genuinely enjoying every moment, and that’s exactly what Just Friends brought to the table. They were having the time of their lives and it shown through, not only with their performing, but also in the interactions between the band members.

Four Year Strong was up next. Impressive riffs and heavy vocals swept through the venue as lights strobed. The crowd surfing was constant and really set the precedent for the rest of the night.

The band I was arguably most excited to see on this tour was Real Friends. I’ve been a huge fan since buying a “Composure” CD at Warped Tour back in 2018. Of course their original vocalist, Dan Lambton, is crazy talented, but I was looking forward to hearing their new vocalist live and Cody Muraro did not disappoint. He gave a wonderful performance and brought that same Real Friends energy I was hoping for. They played a ton of old favorites like “I’ve Given Up On You” and “Get By” along with newer songs like “Nervous Wreck” and “Storyteller.” Real Friends lyrics are catchy and heartfelt and it’s always so cathartic to be able to experience them live and scream those lyrics at the top of your lungs.

Every time I’ve had the honor of seeing State Champs live it has been one big party and this night was no different. From their opening song, “Secrets,” until the confetti rained down during their final encore of “Dead and Gone,” the singing, jumping, moshing, and crowdsurfing was nonstop. I absolutely cannot wait until the next time I get to see these guys.

This was such an incredibly fun show from start to finish and it’s easy to see that Pure Noise has a great group of bands on their roster. I hope you were able to see a show on this tour and I highly recommend catching all of the bands at any upcoming shows they have in your area.

Words and photos by Kayla Kreller.