Second Stage: State Champion

Download "Come See What I Have done (Right-click or control click to save to your computer)

I like a clean, polished product as much as the next music fan, but I'm also the first to admit to having a soft spot in my heart for the kind of gritty, unshaven folk tunes that singer-songwriter Ryan Davis pulls off so well. Davis, who writes and records under the name State Champion, along with Mikie Poland, Sabrina Rush and Aaron Osbourne, calls his music "garage country," which feels pretty accurate.

State Champion (from left): Mikie Poland, Ryan Davis, Sabrina Rush, and Aaron Osbourne

Davis is not necessarily what you'd call a technically precise or polished singer, but when I first heard his signature wail on "Come See What I Have Done," from the band's debut album Stale Champagne, I stopped in my tracks. He packs a lot of power. His lyrics are unusual, and the themes heartfelt. The songs of State Champion definitely have a country twang to them, but they're by no means simplistic or formulaic.

"Come See What I Have Done":

Most of the tracks on Stale Champagne are faster and more upbeat than "Come See What I Have Done," but they all retain the rambling melodies and compelling narratives, along with an added weight that might not come across on this track. Maybe it was the raw, informal production that got me, or maybe it was the naked, honest words, and how they're delivered. Either way, I think State Champion is a band to watch. They'll be touring in the coming months in support of their new album, so keep an eye out for them in your town.

Stale Champagne comes out today on limited edition clear vinyl. You can check it out over at Sophomore Lounge Records' Web site.

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