Waterparks - Intellectual Property
Released: 14/04/23
Natalie Brown
Waterparks have released their 5th Studio album Intellectual property and it’s easy to see their talent.
Intellectual Property is clearly Waterparks most complex album yet. With the album art meanings tying in with the album themes and lyrics and a range of genres impossible to categorise.
This mighty album begins with ‘ST*RFUCKER’, a cleverly placed asterisks with clever production. The quick commentary at the start ‘imagine an album starting like this’ draws your focus as fairy-tale, childlike instrumentals are heard for a couple of seconds before the echoey isolated vocals hit. The sound has an almost uplifting feel with a hint of sarcasm.
This song was beautifully crafted beginning the album with the religious lyrics intertwined. The first time I heard this song was on vinyl, initially the abrupt click made me think the record had a skip before Awsten Knight spoke, I enjoy this addition as he says ‘picture that but right before things go dark’
This is the start of the impressive transitions as ‘REAL SUPER DARK’ hits, a clever word play. Here, Knights vocal skills are highlighted. The layered instrumentals and background vocals/voices add depth to the track. The bridge is particularly striking as it becomes more powerful, the drums more prominent.
Another previously released single, ‘FUNERAL GREY’ follows, a complete switch in styles with the calmer acoustic guitar before the chorus which is sure to be stuck in your head for the rest of the day.
‘BRAINWASHED’ has a similar instrumental style as the previous song. The lyrics don’t feel as complex as other songs on the album but it is a joy to listen to, another one to get stuck in your head.
A more playful ‘2 BEST FRIENDS’ is next for a quick, vibrant (despite the lyrics) 2 minutes.
As I mentioned, waterparks constantly bend genres, ‘END OF THE WATER (FEEL)’ offers a pop like sound, faster and with higher vocals, steady guitar and drums accompanying the song.
‘SELF – SABOTAGE’ discusses the theme of relationships taking on a more pop - rock sound.
‘RITUAL’ is my personal favourite on the album. It has a darker tone, the heavier screams came unexpectedly and the mix of pop like vocals with a lower rap was punchy, surprising and remarkable. Just as a section ends and you think the song is finished, another thing kicks in and you’re left even more stunned than the second before.
A perfect feature choice of Blackbear for ‘FUCK ABOUT IT’, complimented Knights vocals with perfect instrumentals.
With more of an alt rock style ‘CLOSER’ is an emotive and almost devastating song with a dreamy sound, one to close your eyes to and fully take in, certainly not a B-side throw away.
Just when you thought the album couldn’t have anything more compound to add, finally is ‘A NIGHT OUT ON EARTH’. It has electronic elements with deeper dystopian lyrics that carry through the theme of religious guilt.
This album feels more emotional with themes of religious guilt explored throughout. Knights’ vocals were showcased to the highest standards and the instrumentals were layered to accompany impeccably. Everything down to the order of the songs, careful transitions and incorporating connotations of religion on the album art make for the most concise and well put together album from Waterparks yet.
Their art is always a pleasure to listen to but Intellectual Property has everything considered down to the final detail.
I encourage you to read the album art explanation here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/CoswRqVyk3W/
And of course, give the album a listen.
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