Album Review: Waterparks - 'JINX'
Waterparks are a band that are keeping the scene as alive and vibrant as it is right now, while still flying under the radar for many alternative music fans. Hitting their greatest heights with previous records Entertainment and FANDOM, they have only become stronger and stranger in their production, their songwriting, and in terms of frontman Awsten Knight, their physical appearance. With a greater sound than ever before, incorporating pop music tropes in their teenage-angst-adjacent rock style, it’s time to introduce the latest letter in the band’s alphabet with JINX.
Following from the release of fan-favourite full-length INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, this was a project born in the ashes of the repeatedly made and destroyed work by the three-piece. With highs and lows coming and going, eventually everything fell in place and the release of lead single ‘RED GUITAR’ gave the world a taste of what was to come. ‘RED GUITAR’ has the Waterparks guarantee of being a twist and turn on pop-rock music, mixing in some rap-style vocals from Knight and strong guitar riffs that give that edge to an otherwise smooth, round, safe song. As an introduction to the era, it works to open up for what the Texan self-proclaimed boyband will be bringing to the table: down-to-earth lyrics, a mix of rhythms for talking lines and singing scripts, and giving their fans something no other band is giving them. It’s up to said fans if this is a gift or a curse, but at least it’s new, it’s fresh, and it’s abstract as ever.
The duo of ‘PROWLER’ and ‘BETTER THAN THERAPY’ work as dynamic duo in the record. Giving an audible contract of the sound they are trying and the sound they have established, it is something for the listeners old and new. Something for those who preferred the standard pop-punk stylings that have carried the group throughout their career, and the new ever-evolving blend of styles, trends and traits that is keeping them thriving in this industry. It’s a greater view of Waterparks’ versatility as an entity in music; a fuller picture, if one will.
This fuller picture is what gives a complete rundown of a band, their influences, their process, and what makes them attractive to a fan base in the first place. Waterparks, who have garnered a sizeable fan following around the world since their rise in the 2010s, always encourage their fans to view the fuller picture of their art and do not wish to hide or deceive or become misinterpreted. They just want to put their truth to music; thoughts, emotions, experiences and beliefs. This is why their non-album single ‘ICE’ was highly praised from their regular listeners: something real and raw, meaningful and not a part of gaining false sympathy or support. This record is not album pleasing the crowd, but pleasing themselves and hoping the crowd is pleased is a bonus.
JINX is the sixth full-length record from the American trio, and their tenure has given them the licence to be real, to be true, and to be as serious as they can be silly. It's at the point where they feel so self-assured in what they’re bringing into the world and making a change for the good.
There is magic in that new record, and it’s a blessing in a black-and-pink colourful disguise.
Words by Jo Cosgrove
