If you've ever followed me on social media, you know that I'm a big fan of Albany, New York, native pop-punk group State Champs. State Champs have become one of the best new talents to ever grace the pop-punk scene.

I've been an avid supporter since before the release of debut LP "The Finer Things" in 2013. "The Finer Things" was arguably one of the best releases of that year, trailing closely behind "The Greatest Generation" from pop-punk veterans The Wonder Years.

State Champs toured relentlessly after the release of "The Finer Things," and landed opening spots on two tours with household name headliners. In America, it was the Future Hearts Tour with All Time Low (whose sophomore LP "So Wrong, it’s Right" is definitely an influence on the new album), and in Australia with 5 Seconds Of Summer for the Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour.

With two successful EP’s and a debut LP that completely rocked the industry, the boys naturally recorded a second full-length for their ever-expanding fan base. "Around The World and Back" dropped on October 16, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

"Around The World and Back" is full of life experiences from the band's days on tour, and just about everything else. It seems that the theme of the album is discovering yourself, and finding out what's beneath the surface. It's definitely a "yell out your feelings on a long drive" kind of album, or a jump around your room and scream-sing into a hairbrush in the mirror.

Although the music video confused me just a tad, "All You Are Is History" definitely takes the cake as my favorite track on the album. "Perfect Score," "All Or Nothing," and "Eyes Closed" are all tied for second. "All You Are Is History" screams "F*ck you!" to the ex that's constantly on your back. Lead singer Derek DiScanio's voice gives us something different. I don't know exactly what we're looking for as music fanatics, but we found whatever it was in him.

There were quite a few "album of the year" nominations from The Defend Pop Punk Group: "Life's Not Out to Get You" from Neck Deep, Knuckle Puck's "Copacetic," The Story So Far's self-titled, and The Wonder Years' "No Closer to Heaven." While I enjoyed all four, I'm going to have to give this one to State Champs, considering I've had "ATWAB" on repeat for the last three days.

If you're looking for new music, I suggest you start with these guys. The world needs more intense and hard-hitting “grow up and deal with your sh*t” albums, and State Champs did just that. Before you know it, they'll be a legacy in the scene, just like New Found Glory or Blink-182. Don't sleep on State Champs.