Waterparks’ latest album, FANDOM, is raw. Raw in its lyricism and its handling of fans, fame, friendship, and love.

FANDOM was worth the wait, delivering 15 tracks that add a new dimension to Waterparks sound. The in-your-face punch of the melodies introduces FANDOM, and it’s “sour green” aesthetic in a big way, especially with the album’s lead single “Watch What Happens Next,” and its follow up “Dream Boy.” Vocalist, Knight, who also directed the music videos for this album, is aiming at those who expect too much, reward the trio too little, and the dark side of what life post-“blow up,” and post break up, has left him with. “I want fans to feel emotionally wrecked after listening to this album.” shared Knight. “There are so many different feelings expressed throughout it, and I don’t want to say that it’s an emotional rollercoaster, but it’s an ’emotional rollercoaster.'”

The band isn’t holding back on FANDOM. Emotions are real and served with punching melodic riffs and guitar solos from Geoff Wigington and drummer Otto Wood, maintaining the album’s vibe through consistent beats. “Obviously, with time, we’ve grown and have become better musicians,” said Wiginton. “On this album, the guitar lines cut through, and the drums just sound so tight.”

It’s invigorating to hear someone speak so frankly about the pressures of fame. They, of course, aren’t the first band to address those that have wronged them, but the sincere snarl and growl in Knight’s vocals make it seem a bit more personal and authentic.

“War Crimes” gives a glimpse into everything that’s plagued Knight and the band in the last few years. The lyric, “Behind my forehead’s an assortment of things I’d like to forget,” kick starts the foot-stomping beat, followed by lyrics like “my death will be the fandom / give back my halo you stole.”

Another major theme on FANDOM is heartbreak and the post-relationship way of thinking. The lyrics are somehow blunt yet cryptic, showing vulnerability to Knight, especially on tracks like “High Definition” and “Never Bloom Again.” Still, this thread also carries through on the higher energy “Telephone” and “Easy To Hate.”

While lumped into the pop-punk category, FANDOM creates a division between Waterparks and the rest of the genre because of experimental melodies – the club classic dance break on “War Crimes” being a definite highlight as well as the electro-pop reminiscent “Telephone” and the folk-esque “IMHSBALIDWD.”

Fans may never know what Friendly Reminder might have sounded like, but it seems like Waterparks made the right choice in scrapping it.

Be sure to listen to FANDOM and check out the band’s latest music video for their song “Easy to Hate,” directed by Knight.

Waterparks – EASY TO HATE (Official Music Video)www.youtube.com