STMNTS • chorus.fm

The music business is a very unforgiving place. The window of opportunity to make a mark in the music world appears to be getting slimmer by the day, so it’s of the utmost importance to deliver your best material as consistently as possible. Easier said than done, right? The new Baltimore punk band, STMNTS, are well up to the task of delivering the goods on their vibrant new EP called Tendencies. The slick five-song record is filled with anthemic moments, crisp guitar tones, and well-timed vocals/harmonies to make the EP remain memorable. With a sound that fits well within the realm of the crunchy guitar riffing of Four Year Strong, to the sensitive side of The Wonder Years, paired with the great emo production of Bayside, STMNTS are taking full advantage of their time. This band makes emo/punk music look effortless, and it’s quite a fun listening experience.

STMNTS (pronounced Statements) is a 5-piece emotive pop-punk outfit from Baltimore, Maryland. Formed in 2022, the band consists of vocalist Liam King, rhythm guitarist Jamie Black, lead guitarist Drew Chiodo, bassist Josh Pelc, and drummer Shawn Smyth, and their band chemistry is already firing on all cylinders. With a sound that can be found somewhere between the hardcore guitar groove of Four Year Strong, the wonderful lyrical wordplay of The Wonder Years, and the emotion of Bayside, STMNTS are making a solid name for themselves on their debut single “Handpainted.” The single comes from their upcoming EP Tendencies, and features a guest collaboration from Patrick Williams.

What the band does well on this single is to keep the song emotionally charged throughout and still allows for the melodic parts to come through in the mix to make for a memorable track. The crunchy guitar riffs in the verses are complemented by Liam King’s crisp vocal cuts to keep the song balanced in its delivery. The last gasp of a scream on the final lyric of “I feel so alone” finds the band tinkering with a great combination of emo, screamo, and the melodic elements of pop-punk. STMNTS may have just lived up to their name by making a welcomed invitation to the genre.

Review: STMNTS – Tendencies

Review: STMNTS – “Handpainted” (featuring Patrick Williams)