Live Review: Waterparks, Academy, Manchester 18/06/2022
After delays, reschedules and hype from an impressive Slam Dunk performance nine months prior, it was time for Waterparks to bring their greatest hits to a Manchester audience once again as the See You In The Future Tour kicks off its second night at the Academy.
One of the largest headline shows they have played in their collective career, the Houston outfit were ecstatic to return to a North West crowd and the feeling was mutual. Kicking off the night with Double Dare hit ‘Stupid For You’, it’s preparing to be a big night where the band get out all their biggest, loudest, most fun tracks for the fans who love them in the deepest ways imaginable.
This is the first time the three piece were able to tour their 2021 album Greatest Hits, released just before live music made its full return in the UK, and the crowd was eager for it. Teasing the hit singles at Slam Dunk Festival last September, they brought every released single to the Academy. From the earliest in ‘Lowkey As Hell’, to later singles such as ‘Violet!’ - along with album track ‘Fuzzy’ - it gave the record a chance to shine across the pond such as it did in the US last year. These are the greatest hits indeed.
Staying on brand new debuts, in full swing of the new garnet-tinted era, the outfit brought out a performance of their latest hit ‘Funeral Grey’, and the fans were wanting more and more. And that’s exactly what frontman Awsten Knight wanted as he gave an exclusive live performance of the new and yet-to-be-released single ‘Brainwashed’. This was all the band were willing to reveal about the upcoming fifth studio album; and it just makes everyone red with anticipation.
What makes a Waterparks show a genuine Waterparks show is Knight’s bantering with the hundreds of fans before him. From cursing at them, to thanking them for their dedication to his art, to turning the pit against those upon the balcony by clapping then booing then apologising to them, there is always a moment to poke fun and have a giggle with the flame-haired frontman. It reminded all of the fans of what makes this band’s gigs so unique: it’s a Waterparks dimension for that 90-minute spectacle, and nothing makes sense at all.
That’s how Knight wants it.
Ending on ‘Turbulent’, the Fandom hit that has become the closer for the band’s shows since 2019, it gives everyone that last chance to lose their minds and go nuts. The pit opens up as wide as the venue allows and everyone jumps in, cheering and screaming and singing - and barking along with the track - in pure joy and multi-coloured ecstasy.
‘Turbulent’ is one of those singles that will never be removed or swapped for another song, at least willingly. And the band’s been through enough trouble leading to removing songs from live performances, it can’t happen again.
Now that live music is truly back and the international bands the UK know and love are returning, let’s keep the doors open for more Waterparks appearances. The crowd kept chanting “Awsten, Awsten, Awsten” for a reason; give them what they want.
Until then, goodbye and we’ll see you in the future.
Words by Jo Cosgrove
Photography by Amy Moran
