If there’s a formula for a perfect night of high-energy pop-punk and emo anthems, it was undoubtedly on display in Cleveland, Ohio as State Champs, Knuckle Puck, Meet Me @ The Alter, and Daisy Grenade took the stage in a seamless blend of nostalgia and new sounds alike. From the first chords to the final encore, the evening was a celebration of pop-punk anthems all night long.

Opening the night at The Agora was Daisy Grenade. The duo’s performance was sharp, with infectious energy that kept the crowd engaged. Throughout their set, they offered a raw, unfiltered look at the struggles of youth and relationships, earning some new fans along the way. Their connection to the audience was undeniable, ensuring they left a lasting mark.

Next up was Meet Me @ The Altar. This trio quickly made a name for themselves with their blend of catchy hooks and personal lyrics; they set the tone for the night early on. Their stage presence was magnetic, especially with vocalist Edith Johnson, whose powerful vocals soared across the room, captivating the crowd. Tracks like "Now or Never" and "Kool" were highlights with their empowering themes resonating deeply with fans. Their sound, a mix of pop-punk and emo, felt fresh and exciting, showcasing how the genre continues to evolve while remaining rooted in its emotional core.

Knuckle Puck took the stage and delivered a set that struck a perfect balance between nostalgia and growth. Known for their anthemic choruses and deeply introspective lyrics, the Chicago-based band had the crowd singing along to hits like “Want Me Around” and “Untitled.” The chemistry between the band members was palpable, with lead vocalist Joe Taylor's distinctive voice resonating throughout the venue. The highlight of their set was “No Good,” a track that had the crowd screaming along to every word in unison. Knuckle Puck’s ability to blend moments of introspection with all-out punk energy made their set a standout of the night.

Finally, the headliner, State Champs, took the stage and cemented their place as one of the leading bands in the modern pop-punk scene. Starting their set off with one of their newest singles "Silver Cloud" and finishing the night with an encore performance of "Secrets", they delivered a flawless set that showcased their songwriting and ability to create a great atmosphere. Frontman Derek DiScanio was a force to be reckoned with, interacting with the crowd throughout the night. Their setlist was a perfect mix of older fan favorites paired with some of the band’s brand-new tracks from their latest self-titled album: “State Champs.” 

From start to end, the night was an absolute triumph for pop-punk lovers, with each band bringing their own unique energy to the stage. The crowd was a mixture of long-time fans and newcomers, and the sense of community was evident. By the time State Champs closed out the show, the audience was chanting for more. Whether you were there for the nostalgia or to discover something new, the evening delivered on every front. The future of pop-punk is bright and with bands like State Champs, Knuckle Puck, Meet Me @ The Alter and Daisy Grenade, the genre is in good hands!