Houston combo
Waterparks
scale back a bit on
Intellectual Property
, their first album for
Fueled by Ramen
and fifth overall. A power trio with a penchant for slick, arena-sized rockers, the band's sound has widened in scope with each release, culminating in 2021's 17-song epic
Greatest Hits
. Without sacrificing their sense of ambition,
sees
trying out their version of a back-to-basics approach that leans into their pop-punk roots while keeping the emphasis on pop. The album's 11 songs are compact and tuneful, with bright hooks and a fairly even blend of breeziness and aggro punch. Despite its dark title, "Funeral Grey" is pure alt-pop shimmer that, along with the bouncy "Brainwashed" and "2 Best Friends," defines the overriding vibe of
. Working again with longtime producer
Zakk Cervini
,
have lost none of their glossy sheen while capping off some of their more excessive tendencies. ~ Timothy Monger