Waterparks release their killer fifth studio album ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’

‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’ contains a familiar sound as their previous two albums, in the sense of utilizing elements that the band has grown to be known for, like catchy, melodic pop-like choruses, electrifyingly luscious electronic effects and beats, and verses written and delivered in a hip-hop format all while still embracing a pop-rock sound. But that’s where the similarities end with this album. Overall, it has a drastically darker and somber aesthetic, which contrasts nicely with some of the upbeat choruses and melodies on the album. The album contains some of the heaviest songs the band has released, like “REAL SUPER DARK” and “RITUAL,” which also includes some of the most utterly cut-throat lyrics on the album.

“My fans are the best / They’d love me more dead / But man; I can’t die ‘til I finish the album / ‘Cause if I could time it right, shit could go platinum.”  And “I’m living like I’m betrayed / Living like I’m dead, and on my own / You’re killing me / When I’m fast asleep / Like a ritual.”

The album does deliver a more intimate sound with songs like “CLOSER,” as the instrumental trades in riveting groovy guitar riffs for a more warm, soothing, tranquil sound, and forlorn lyrics like

“The lonely part 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.”

The band is noteworthy for their ability to create illustrious, addicting flashy pop choruses and melodies. And ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’ continues to deliver those same aspects. Whether it’s the flamboyant, mind-boggling chorus in “SELF SABOTAGE” or the exhilaratingly catchy chorus in “FUNERAL GREY,” ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’ is an album that’ll be playing on repeat in your mind on a daily basis. You will be humming and singing in times you’ll least expect it.

As far as some of the personal feelings and experiences that went into writing ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’ lead singer Awsten Knight has spoken in several interviews about his journey overcoming religious guilt that went into the creation of the album

“Conceptually, a lot of this album has to do with overcoming religious guilt. That’s been built in, and you’ve grown with, especially with 2020 and the years of being inside. It gives you so much time to reflect on yourself and too much time to learn about yourself. And what I’ve found through doing [a] shocking amount of therapy is that so many of the things that I struggle with are rooted in religion and things I’ve learned in that.”

The lead singer said during an interview on the Zach Sang Show. Although ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’ doesn’t outwardly put forth that theme lyrically, it does provide lyrics that can be relatable to several situations. Overall, ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’ is an album that is full of thrilling, atmospheric punchy songs that also carry a brooding, morose weight in their delivery. It’s a great album for people looking for a darker and gritty theme, with an upbeat enthralling sound tied closely to a unique pop-rock experience.

Make sure you take a listen to ‘INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY’