From States Away is anything but new to the game as they have already garnered a sizeable fanbase in their rather short tenure. However, July has brought the release of their debut full length Sun In My Eyes that is proving to be a true tour de force.

Formed in 2015, From States Away was touted by AltPress as one of ten bands that proved that Long Island pop-punk was far from dead. That same year, they landed a spot on the July12th date of the Vans Warped Tour. While the album is rooted in high-energy pop-punk, the band’s vast influences run deep creating a diverse and well rounded album.

“These Things You Said” ushers in the album as more of an intro of sorts that immediately shifts in to “Bypass” which is a classic high energy punk-pop anthem. While the track may have that classic pop-punk feel and rhythm to it, it is anything but formulaic or generic. “Snakes” follows and manages to keep the high energy rolling and manages to incorporate some heavier “core” elements within the pop-punk aesthetic. “Further Than Before” keeps the energy but manages to shift things down ever so slightly in a more melodic way that blends beautifully with the rest of the track.

“Hair” ushers in the middle segment of the album with a little less tenacity than the first portion of the album. “Sun In My Eyes” follows and was the first track written for the album almost 3 years ago, but due to the pandemic it was a long gestating venture. However, “Sun In My Eyes” became the driving force in moving forward culminating in the band’s first full length album. “It’s Been A Year” incorporates some mild electronic elements that present an almost hip hop vibe and fits well as an almost intermission on the album as a whole. “Valleys” kicks things back full force and brings back more of the heavier “core” elements once again and features Chris Piquette (Trophy Wives) on guest vocals.

“Kaleidoscope” brings in the final act of the album and is deeply rooted in the pop punk aesthetic that is commonplace for the album and band as a whole. “Held Me Down” is another anthemic track that is sure to be a crowd pleaser in the live setting. It is fun and energetic with a healthy dose of pop sensibility. “Icarus” is the culmination of the story being portrayed on Sun In My Eyes as a whole. Vocalist Chris Lauletti states; “Sometimes it’s hard not to stare at the sun, especially when it feels so warm. You know the story of Icarus? Luckily we have a belief that wings regrow, so next time you can soar even higher. That’s what we wanted this album to say.” The album closes with “I Know It Felt The Same To You” which finds the perfect median between punk energy and aggression and the pop sensibilities encountered on the album. It manages to lean in both directions at varied points while stitching them together cohesively.

Overall, Sun In My Eyes is a solid full length debut from a band who has worked hard to get where they are. If the band’s mentality of regrowing wings to fly even higher next time then the inevitable follow up album is sure to take the foundation created here and expand upon it in exponentially.

Sun In My Eyes is available now on all major streaming and digital platforms or you can pre-order a vinyl copy here.

You can connect with From States Away on social media via Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter (X).