REVIEW: Stateside - Where You Found Me

Hardcore pop punk band Stateside have released their highly anticipated LP ‘Where You Found Me’ under their new label Pure Noise Records. Having been on the road for the past three years, their new LP is described as an exciting collection of their experiences on tour and also the emotions and hardships that come with touring around the world. There are features with exciting artists and having released three songs on the album ahead of release day, fans were buzzing with excitement whilst they waited for the rest of these tracks. Stateside have taken their sound to a new level with this album, exploring the emo/rock side to their sound and it is passionate, emotional and inspiring!

This LP is an emotional rollercoaster, but starts with the upbeat song ‘Heads Up Big Guy’ that leans into their pop punk sound - but also touches upon their more hardcore side. with some screamed vocals sprinkled in. Within the scene the band have come through, this is not heard all that much, but Stateside capture this sound flawlessly and their talent really shines through, as we see what direction the band wants to take. 

One of the songs that was released prior to the album is titled ‘Stay Sweet’, featuring Joe Taylor of Knuckle Puck and, entirely unsurprisingly, their voices come together to create a stimulating listening experience. While Joe’s vocals aren't heard so much throughout, their voices together really compliment each other, with Joe’s voice being a little deeper and adding a richness to the vocal mix. We're certain that fans of Knuckle Puck and Stateside will share a love of this song and bring people together because of it. 

Similarly to the first track we hear on the LP, ‘Vista Verde (So Far So Good)’ features a lot of upbeat guitar riffs. However, this song is less positive, and in actual fact it feels like being on the road and missing your loved ones - or more specifically. losing that loved one or the relationship you had with that person. While the song feels upbeat, the lyrics are a different story that plenty of listeners will find they relate to. The topic of loss seems to be a prevalent theme in this LP, and it is mentioned in many of the tracks; ‘The End's Not Near It’s Here’ captures the emotions of losing someone while not being ready to, but knowing you still have to let go, in a beautiful way. “I’m not ready, I’m not” is chanted a number of times throughout this song and it's even in the background overlapping other vocals, which really captivates the audience and gives us an emotionally healing listening experience. 

‘Like A Rosary’ and ‘Aly’s Song (So Close So Far)’ are beautifully composed songs with lyrics that have a real depth of meaning. These will both impact people in a plethora of different ways, yet both also contain thrilling riffs that will instantly boost your mood and have you singing and dancing along. These songs live will be an incredible experience, so let’s hope they're added to the setlist on their upcoming tour!

The band have definitely dealt with their fair share of hardships while on tour, and they've captured these feelings on this LP to create something truly special, which is relatable to everyone. This album has a lot more slow songs than fans will be used to, although considering the feel of the album it’s a good fit. ‘On A Clear Day You Can See Forever’ is an example of this - it starts off with a slow guitar riff and soft vocals, and even when the guitar picks up, the riffs remain soft and have a nostalgic feel to them. 

‘Bitter Spring’ is about the season coming whilst you're still missing what used to be and mourning a relationship you once had. There is a lot of emotion layered into this song and when we listen to it we feel the nostalgia and sadness that's present, but also the anger hidden beneath. The screaming is a great touch and it's not heard throughout the album very regularly, but when it is, it comes in unexpectedly and it sweeps you off your feet. ‘California Calls You Home’, featuring Vamachara, has the same feel to it, although the theme of this track is all about missing home and longing to go back. Towards the end of the track, we hear a high pitched screaming and it really brings a lot to the song. It is not something we see in pop punk very often, but Stateside definitely knows what they're doing!

Stateside ends their album with ‘Mile Marker’ and it is a real banger; in fact, it brings the whole album together and finishes it off with a feeling of hope that you can get through whatever you’re going through. With lyrics such as “I’m feeling fine so let's talk about what's on your mind”, it almost feels like the ending of a chapter. It is abundantly clear from listening that Stateside are a band of many genres, feelings, and sounds, and every song on this album captured a different emotion. This album has perfectly demonstrated their enormous talent, hard work, and ability to provide a brilliant project, so the future is shining for Stateside!

Score: 9/10

Where You Found Me was released on June 6th 2025.

Words: Kelsey Mainwaring

Photos: Stateside