by Ian Smith

FANDOM by Waterparks

by Grace Rotermund

Self-described “God’s favorite boy band” Waterparks’ third album is, in my eyes, an absolute 10/10. I’ve had an intense emotional connection to this band since first hearing their debut album (but fourth release in terms of proper discography), Double Dare – I’ve seen them live five times, met them thrice, and am eagerly awaiting their next album (which, co-incidentally, drops May 21st of 2021, so chances are, it’s already out!) As with their other offerings, FANDOM ’s range is incredible. Arranged similarly to an A24-style indie coming-ofage movie’s award-winning soundtrack, the first soaring notes of “Cherry Red” – a perfect introduction – soon drop into the head-banging guitar riffs of “Watch What Happens Next” with effortless fluidity. A personal standout is the switch from “[Reboot]” to “Worst.” The wounded, stabbing beat of “[Reboot]” fades away as Knight, the frontman of the trio, similarly fades from rage into a deep, heartfelt sadness. The emotional range is, to be frank, incredible, as is the variety of instruments used (Waterparks ventures into techno with this album, mixing genres with ease) throughout songs that range from the perfect bubbly love-at-first-sight jam that is “Telephone” to the jaw-dropping record ender “I Felt Younger

When We Met.” FANDOM is the perfect album to throw on a record player, sip a cup of whatever you’d like, crank the volume up, and close your eyes to let the time pass.