Waterparks, the cool pop-punk band from Houston, has fans spending “A Night Out on Earth” with their fifth record.
Waterparks released their fifth studio album, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY via Fueled by Ramen on April 14th, 2023. The record, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY includes 11 tracks featuring singles, “FUNERAL GRAY”, “SELF-SABOTAGE”, and “FUCK ABOUT IT LATER (featuring blackbear).” You can be able to grab your copy now here or at your local record store for exclusive vinyl color variants.
The Houston based pop-punk trio Waterparks started their journey in 2011 led by frontman Awsten Knight (vocals/guitar), Geoff Wigington and Otto Wood (drums). Waterparks dropped their debut album Double Dare in 2016 that instantly became a classic pop-punk album within the scene. Their debut record was followed by Entertainment (2018), Fandom (2019), and Greatest Hits (2021). The fifth album release, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, is their first record signed under Fueled by Ramen, notoriously known for signing bands such as Fall Out Boy, Paramore, and Twenty One Pilots.
Nearly after more than a decade of being a band and most importantly best friends, they are continuously putting out genre-defying and highly addictive albums that surpass their previous records. The band has attained a reputable image for generating different sounds and elements within their discography, completely setting them apart from their neighboring pop-punk groups. This is also no exception with their newest album, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
Waterparks first began teasing the record back in early 2022 dropping subtle hints across their social media pages creating mass chaos and hysteria among fans, leading them to come up with theories as to what comes next. In addition, within each new album release, Waterparks changes their aesthetic based on the era, which also exclusively correlates with Knight’s hair color on the era defining color.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY extends Waterparks into new explorative territory by further pushing their hyper-pop influenced programming that was introduced in their last record, Greatest Hits by entangling more heavy guitars channeling their punk influenced origins. Tracks that carry this volcanic energy are heard in “RITUAL” and “REAL SUPER DARK.”
The album covers a range of different topics such as failed relationships, religious guilt, and the lingering effects of mental health. With the direct and vulnerable themes sprawled throughout the record, we get a closer look inside the self-doubting and impetuous thoughts appearing in Knight’s lyricism.
To better understand the concept and meaning behind the album, Knight explained on Twitter stating that:
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY is wordplay on the “mental real estate” or space you let someone or something take up in your head. THE PROPERTY is the “world” in which this album and its narrative take place. By naming it, and trying to “materialize” it, it’s almost creating a real space for that release and catharsis of feelings I’m expelling on this album that can someday be closed and left in the past whenever it’s time to leave this all behind.
Awsten Knight of Waterparks
Throughout the album, Waterparks cultivates a whole new album listening experience that is filled with high electric spirits garnered from the overlaid production and chaotic heavy guitars. Each track on the record is entirely different showcasing the diverse range of emotions that is depicted within the lyrics. Waterpark’s sound bounces back and forth between punk centered tracks and fast electronic beats that keep you on your toes. In addition, hidden easter eggs appear in the album which fans have pointed out multiple references mentioned on previous song lyrics from past records connecting them once again on INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
One of the most progressive tracks that highlights Waterparks intricate production is the last track on the album, “A NIGHT OUT ON EARTH”, that compiled the dramatics themes presented in the album. The song is infused with voice manipulation, staggering accelerated synths, and an outburst of loud drums and guitars. The most pivotal factor of the track is the haunting lyrics in the bridge portraying an upscale rollercoaster sentiments:
I could drive my Lexus overnight back home to Texas. I could fall asleep in my old bed, ‘Cause life got kinda hectic on the day I got my necklace. Now I just wanna fall asleep in my own. It’s a hell of a time, was I loved or was I right? I kissed a couple people in a week. Am I gonna go to Hell in my sleep or will God forgive me? I gotta hide everybody that I like. Did therapy four times this week from my bike.
“A Night Out On Earth” by Waterparks
In this track, Knight displays his deepest struggles with battling fame, unstable relationships, and his mental health as the band’s success continues to grow. The title of the song was also the name of their headlining tour during the Greatest Hits era cycle.
The versatility of Waterparks sound remains true as it is shown with their track, “CLOSER”, an early reminiscent 2000s rock love ballad. The acoustic driven song has added pops of wavering electronic synths that slowly builds up momentum as it heads towards the bridge. Knight’s contemplating thoughts between embracing love or blocking it out to avoid a painful heartbreak on the bridge sings:
Cause you’re the holiday I celebrate too late. You’re the eyes I gave up tryin’ to captivate.You’re the song that I loved but then overplayed and I’m the B-side throwaway. I hope you never rain on my charade. The lonely one I let myself create. I got my space, but what’d I pay? I’ve been fucked so much that I no longer wait. I sabotage and break my own heart just in case.
“Closer” by Waterparks
The catchy sweet and soft instrumentation contrasts between the highly personal lyrics of rushing emotions overtaking every aspect of yourself that leaves you pondering what could eventually be.
In support of their new record, Waterparks will be embarking on The PROPERTY Tour with special opening support from Hunny. Most shows have now sold out in certain cities or have low availability so make sure that you grab tickets before they’re all gone! Tickets and more information are available: HERE
Waterparks are returning back to Texas and will be performing a hometown show in Houston on June 6th, 2023 at Warehouse Live. There is a running comprise within Awsten Knight himself, persuading fans that if their Houston show sells out, they will play an old fan favorite track from their early days, “Crave.” It is always a special and heartwarming time when bands get to revisit their home state and city and see all of their fans that have supported them from the start along with newer faces in the crowd.
Listen to INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY by Waterparks on Spotfiy, YouTube, or Apple Music.
I am a photographer based in Houston, Texas. I'm currently pursuing a BFA degree concentrating in Photography and Digital Media at the University of Houston. Music has always been a big part of my life and I love that I get to intertwine that with photography. I'm consistently listening to all of my favorite bands and discovering new genres and artists. I love all things cosmic, watching films, and reading.
