LIVE REVIEW: Waterparks @ O2 Academy, Birmingham

Releasing the successfully bold addition Intellectual Property to their discography in April 2023, it was only a matter of time for WATERPARKS to head back to the UK to celebrate their release. With catchy tracks, an energetic presence and a largely loyal fanbase, it was no wonder that the queue for their show at the O2 Academy in Birmingham on November 23rd was around the block moments before the doors opened.

Opening the show was the talented Australian group STAND ATLANTIC, who immediately got the crowd moving and singing along with their dynamic stage presence and punchy riffs. The band’s chemistry and tight knit performance was electrifying, making it evidently clear that the pop-punk quartet had honed their craft to perfection. Treating the crowd to a collection of older tracks and their brand new track Sex On The Beach, STAND ATLANTIC managed to make their entire set flow together flawlessly, creating the perfect, fun-filled opening set.

Rating: 9/10

WATERPARKS wasted no time in launching into a high-energy set filled with anthemic pop-punk tunes and irrepressible charisma. Frontman Awsten Knight led the charge, wowing the audience with his infectious energy and boundless enthusiasm whilst perfectly being in time with bandmates Geoff Wigington and Otto Wood. Delivering a flawless performance, WATERPARKS meant business from the word go, kicking straight into the first song of the night (and of the album) Starf*cker.

From the bouncy rhythms of older songs such as Crave and Stupid For You, through to the newer tracks of Sneaking Out Of Heaven and Brainwashed, WATERPARKS put a setlist together that proved that they have the versatility and range to keep fans on their toes through their time together as a band.

The energy level in the room skyrocketed – fans jumping, dancing, and moshing from the get go, with a wedding proposal thrown in for good measure (which Knight excitedly announced when he noticed it happening). Even throughout the acoustic part where Awsten played a variety of songs such as Self-Sabotage, Powerless and Lucky People, fans were singing from the top of their lungs. WATERPARKS have clearly gained an incredible following over their extensive career, and deservedly so. Each live show that WATERPARKS performs is like a multicoloured whirlwind of exuberant, raw talent, and this performance was no exception.

WATERPARKS‘ three song encore of Real Super Dark, Turbulent and Funeral Grey was the perfect way to tie the evening together, leaving the audience deliriously happy from a high paced night. Overall, the evening was an unforgettable night of pop-punk bliss. Both bands delivered high-quality performances that were bursting with energy and enthusiasm, showcasing the passion that both bands had for their music and live performances, which captivated the audience from start to finish. A memorable night for both old school fans and more recent fans of the band.

Rating: 9/10

Check our photo gallery of the night’s action in Birmingham from Sarah Maiden here: 

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