It was Sunday, September 29th. If you were to peek into the brief moments preceding State Champs’ very first Tiny Shop Concert, it would not cross your mind that this was also going to be their last. There was too much movement. Too much to do. There was an incredibly kinetic energy flowing through such a small store, making it hard to interpret the show as anything other than a celebration.
The band chosen to commemorate, Recess, couldn’t possibly have been expected for such a venue. Self-described as a band that creates music “that makes you feel like you’re in the movies,” it was clear from even their warm-up song that they try to provide grandiose experiences. The amps boosted all around the audience (consisting of no more than 15 people) as we stood witness practically in the epicenter of a full-blown pop-rock concert.
I had never given Recess a proper chance before the concert itself, other than casually playing through a couple of their biggest songs, coming to the personal conclusion that their music was perhaps not for me. However, in spite of this I did find the concert to be quite unique, and without a doubt borne of talented and passionate musicians. As each song played after the last, I found myself entranced by the energy the band was giving as well as how much fun everybody in the audience was clearly having. By the end of the show I found myself grinning madly while banging my head back and forth, completely willing to give up my personal gripes with the music for the sake of having a good time.
The Tiny Shop Concert format leans into a far more intimate experience than most concert-goers are probably familiar with. It’s getting too hot in the store? Well watch as Anthony Fondale, the keyboardist/backing vocalist, decides to adjust the thermostat behind him between songs. The friendly people at State Champs were unafraid to offer food/drinks, providing the aforementioned keyboardist with a chocolate muffin that he gladly partook.
Delving deeper into the show, we were able to hear the as-of-now unreleased song, “I Heard You’re Happy” (possibly tentative title). The song didn’t stray far from Recess’ pre-established sound, but appeared to strike a more melancholic tone as we were given insight into a prior relationship of the lead singer, Vincent Fondale. The song reflects Recess’ passion for heartfelt and driving music, and it was evident that each member was giving their all for each and every song they performed that afternoon.
The band’s clear love of what they were doing is what, in my theory, won both me and the audience over. In the second half of the performance, Vincent took drumsticks and a tom-drum and took part in the ramping percussion, sweat falling from his hair as he carried the stature of somebody going to war.
This raw energy is what takes hold of audiences, and Recess has certainly mastered this art of live-performance. To my right behind the sales counter, I could clearly see multiple members of the State Champs staff shift from passive swaying to full-on dancing over the course of the show. In those moments, I felt even more certain that this show was a celebration. No one was sad, there was too much energy flying off the walls to not be dancing.
When asked about how it felt to be chosen as the final performance for this venue, Anthony Fondale expressed his gratitude for such an opportunity. He referenced a conversation he had with the band prior to the show, “We’re gonna be the last show at this place—We gotta make it sound really good.”
At the end, there was a three song encore since the band couldn’t settle on just one. The two that I could properly gather were “The Black Parade” by My Chemical Romance and “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees. Two very different but very fun choices, and enlightened me as to what their inspirations are as a band. From the first time I listened to them I imagined they were going for something more Imagine Dragons, which didn’t really resonate with me. But learning that they enjoy the emo/alt-rock scene made everything click about where they draw influences from. Needless to say that despite my initial hesitance, I probably mouthed out at least one impassioned “IT STARTED WITH A WHISPERRR.”
All in all, what Recess and State Champs were able to accomplish with this Tiny Shop Concert was nothing short of impressive, and more than that: fun. A final hurrah for the ages. But make no mistake– this isn’t the end of State Champs. In a brief exchange with their instagram, we were assured from them that they “have exciting stuff in the works, so not the end, just the end in Kent.” A quick look at their website will acknowledge their Kent location which lasted 6 months, and we can see an allusion to “expansion in 2025.” I’d most definitely recommend anyone reading to stay in tune with what State Champs is up to, as the people there were extremely kind and accommodating to both the audience and the band. Give Recess a listen to see if they’re your jam, and check out whatever State Champs has coming next.
