Beat logo

The Sound of Waterparks

Soft Boy Punk

By Kay KindschyPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
Like
Geoff, Awsten and Otto

If you’ve read my stories before, you probably know I have mentioned Waterparks in a previous story of mine. If you didn’t know that, make sure to go back and read my other stories, specifically the story I did about One Ok Rock!

However, in relation to that story, I would like to discuss Waterparks again today! Due to my post-concert depression from seeing Waterparks and One Ok Rock last month, I have had Waterparks on my mind a lot lately.

To start off, I will introduce those who don’t know the band to the basic information about them. First, they’re a pop-punk band from Houston, Texas. Their members include Awsten Knight (lead vocals, guitar), Geoff Wigington (guitarist), and Otto Wood (drummer). As you may have noticed, they don’t have a bassist. It’s a running joke among them, and their fans. Don’t ask Awsten about it.

However, I’d like to describe to you all why exactly it is that I love Waterparks so much. Besides Awsten’s dyed hair, and their angsty teenage sound (despite being in their late 20’s and early 30’s), Waterparks also inhibit a kind of “soft boy vibe,” as the cool kids would call it.

There’s no doubt that Waterparks has some serious punky songs like “Tantrum”, “Mad All The Time” and “Plum Island,” but they also have a lot of “soft” songs. Some of my favorite “soft” songs come off of their album, Double Dare, like “Powerless” and the utmost famous soft boy song “21 Questions.”

Entertainment, their latest album, also serves a mix of soft boy and punk jams. This album gives us the BIGGEST rebel mood song “Tantrum” (where Awsten shows us, again, his abilities of screaming) but also gives us one of my favorite soft boy songs “We Need to Talk”. Although, “Plum Island” is a very punk-sounding song, it also has very cute lyrics about being in love. Waterparks have a lot of songs that are similar to this idea.

Waterparks’ music definitely shows themes of them not tolerating people treating them badly, but also of heartbreaks and just being in love in general, and how they feel about that.

Waterparks are also so high energy, that their infusion of pop sounds alongside their punk style of music just works! Also, when they preform live, there’s nothing like seeing Awsten dance around, but also crowd surf!

I mentioned this when I was talking about The Aces in a different story, but bands and artists that are unapologetically them is so important to me, and the members of Waterparks are definitely unapologetic! They show such a great confidence in who they are as people, and that’s admirable as well as the kind of music they release!

I think this kind of aesthetic that the band has set up for themselves is the reason why Awsten Knight holds such a big part of my heart. His purple hair and “Warped Tour” style alongside his vulnerability is every Waterparks fan’s weakness... sorry for getting a little mushy there. There’s just nothing like head-banging and crying at the same time and Waterparks does that for me!

Awsten Knight

Also, the last few releases that Waterparks has put out has been a change in sound for them, but nonetheless, has been amazing and received plenty of positive feedback!

Check out their new song they did with adam&steve “rainy days in la” to hear their attempts at a more pop sound, and their cover of “Beating Heart Baby” for a new Jazz twist on their soft punk boy image.

Waterparks are still on tour, but I’m so excited to see what kind of new music they release and what direction they’ll decide to go in for their new album!

Thank you for reading! All reads and tips are very much appreciated, and let me know what you think about Waterparks if you give them a listen!

bands
Like

About the Creator

Kay Kindschy

Music makes the world go ‘round and I love to tell you all about it! Thank you for reading my stories!

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.