REVIEW: Waterparks - JINX
- Theviya R Karunaharan
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
Teasing the album on their Prowler tour and creating anticipation amongst the fanbase, WATERPARKS showcase their ambition through sixth studio album JINX. The band showcases their creative risks through infectious earworms that linger long after the music ends. With a commitment to evolution, JINX follows a musical story that encapsulates the vulnerabilities, tensions and complexities of everyday life.
Awsten Knight operates from pure instinct which had resulted in him previously scrapping a fully completed album. Geoff Wigington brings a range of driving guitar rhythms. Otto Wood showcases his powerful drumming skills. Tune into an album that embraces their indie pop experimental and alternative rock sound.
Immersing the listeners straight into the theatrical universe of JINX, TELL ME WHY dives into the existential crisis of living. The back and forth between Awsten and the single’s features as devils and angels evokes the dynamic nature of a musical theatre number. An animated environment during the bridge is formed as opposing forces close in, guiding Awsten toward hell with nowhere left to run or hide. The fan favourite singles smoothly follow along. RED GUITAR captures the hearts of previous fans who are ready to indulge in WATERPARKS’ previous pop rock albums. Diving straight into the realities of the music industry and feeling burnout after chasing childhood dreams, the heavy topics are contradicted by the upbeat instrumentals. Opening with steady drums and trains, IF LYRICS ARE CONFIDENTIAL takes inspiration from 80's hip hop. This confessional track channels the band's anger and frustration at the toxic behaviour of sections of its fanbase. By bleeping their own track, Awsten highlights the extent to which fame can demand self-censorship. Taking on similar elements, GWEN STEFANI is the most publicly acknowledged WATERPARKS demo and Awsten had finally cracked the code. This track filled unwavering drums, majestic violins and glittering piano notes.
PROWLER opens with a podcast sample “Wait Waterparks. If this is heavy metal, I’m going to be so fucking pissed”. Whilst the track is not heavy metal, this is one of the heaviest tracks on the album as it features raw vocals and distorted synths. The track's simmering anger is built through gradual layers of instrumental tension, mirroring the emotional weight of its deeply personal lyrics.
Focal points of dreamy pop tracks such as NOBODY BY YOU, NO NO NO NO NO and PLAYING MUSIC revolve around themes of love. NOBODY BUT YOU encapsulates a sensual environment with deep devotion lingering within the fingerpicked melody. If any track were to be found on a teen rom-com, NO NO NO NO NO and PLAYING MUSIC would be the first in line. Both tracks feature playful glistening synths that maintain an upbeat atmosphere. Whilst these are catchy tracks, they ultimately find the band playing it safe after their success with Telephone. BETTER THAN THERAPY contradict the rose coloured view on relationship as the bubblegum-rock track follows the whirlwind of a relationship. Awsten Knight is engulfed by their love for the other person whilst remaining self-aware of one's own toxic traits.
With its melancholic atmosphere, MIRAGE draws listeners into an exploration of loss and longing. Through recurring imagery of light and shadow, the track captures the fragility of lingering memories as the narrator believes “Why does time heal everyone but me?”. ANY MINUTE NOW reflects on the past, present and taking everything one day at a time. Weaving through hopeless feelings to reflecting on his childhood, there will always be some lingering hope. What if it works out? The soft drums and acoustic guitar have already connected to fans, forming slow dancing pits and glistening lights in crowds. Taking influences from an imaginary video game album, TASTES LIKE TANGERINE truly is the song of the century. There is a heavy industrial sound paired with catchy guitar chords that formulate a loud and sonic track. From a quiet bridge filled with whispering and layered breaths, listeners are launched back into organised chaos.
Closing with a political track, GIRLS NEED GUNS opens as a slower track featuring Awsten’s mother talking about female reproductive rights in America. “If the past’s a sign, the world’s fucked up”. Acting as a wake-up call, this is a calm approach to addressing the situation.
JINX resists being confined by one genre, instead WATERPARKS is proving their ability to master a range of genres. Give this album a few spins to fully appreciate the intricacies of each track. It might end up being better than therapy.
Score: 6/10
JINX will be released on 26th July 2026 via BMG.
Words: Theviya R Karunaharan
Photos: wATERPARKS
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