Brandenton emo punk-pop foursome We the Kings have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity since signing to S-Curve records and releasing their debut in 2007. A few collabs with Disney Channel star Demi Lovato ("We'll Be a Dream" on 2009's Smile Kid), coveted spots on Warped Tour in 2009 and 2010, a headlining slot on Hot Topic's national Take Action Tour in 2010, and even some dates in the UK and Australia in 2011 have helped We the Kings grow their fanbase internationally. The band issued their third full-length, Sunshine State of Mind, on July 12, and songs like the saccharine upbeat balladry of "Friday is Forever" ("Friday is forever, we belong together, so come on, come on, don't you say never") show that We the Kings are continuing on their mainstream radio-friendly path. Like bands support their almost-hometown stop at the State, with the foursome appearing for an acoustic in-store performance and CD signing at the Best Buy in St. Petersburg earlier in the day.
Details: We the Kings with The Summer Set, The Downtown Fiction, Hot Chelle Rae, Action Item, Thurs., July 21, 6 p.m. doors, State Theatre, St. Petersburg, $16 (all ages).
This article appears in Jul 21-27, 2011.