Label: Fueled By Ramen
Released: 14th April 2023
Waterparks are never, ever boring. So much, so fucking obvious. But even for a band so day-glo and saturated in nonsense, ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’ is a new high point.
A constantly shifting, hyperactive genre flip, it bounces off the walls of the tired and overdone – the best sonic representation of Awsten Knight’s chaotic mischief yet. From the acerbic bite of ‘REAL SUPER DARK’ to the bubbling bop of ‘BRAINWASHED’, it’s a constant stream of near-consciousness, every admission or observation strapped tightly to another new ear-worm. ‘2 BEST FRIENDS’ is like a nursery rhyme in its innocence, while ‘SELF SABOTAGE’ pulls vocal gymnastics that audibly sparkle.
To be a unique voice in a time where an infinite number of bands smash their fists against an infinite number of typewriters is as much a testament to Waterparks’ raw attitude as it is their doubtless talent. Like a fizzy drink shaken hard and left to explode in an unsuspecting face, they’re a band that move fast and break things, hoping to keep two wheels on the road as they go. Quite probably the most consistently exciting rock band on the planet, let’s hope they never change.
