by emma schoors
Waterparks is on fire with “FUNERAL GREY.”
Lead singer Awsten Knight shared via social media that “FUNERAL GREY” is the first Waterparks release since he began professional vocal training. In conversation with the frontman in our October 2021 interview, Knight shared his thoughts on the way his voice has evolved over the years. “I'm not naturally a very great singer. I definitely learned through repetition and necessity and I'm not even saying I'm incredible now, just I definitely can do what needs to be done.” Knight has always flaunted a great voice, uniquely fit for the genres he wavers between, but there is a noticeable improvement in vocal control during the chorus of “FUNERAL GREY.”
The single is also the band’s very first release with Fueled By Ramen, which marks yet another new beginning. New single, new album on the way, new record label… what can’t Waterparks do?
“I just want you to be my nеxt mistake that I'm gonna make,” Knight begs, similar to the lighthearted, flirtatious undercurrent of “Telephone,” which recently experienced a surge in popularity due to its feature in the popular Netflix series Heartstopper. Waterparks is definitely still a band you can giddily dance around your room to, and as the group shared via their Instagram account, the upcoming fifth album is an “outdoor day time” album. Considering warmer days are right around the corner, “FUNERAL GREY” is already a summer anthem.
Drummer Otto Wood offers hard-hitting percussion, and guitarist Geoff Wigington shines bright, but allows room for Wood’s beat to lead. The entire band is at their very best, and the fifth studio installment of Waterparks is sure to be spectacular.
The band is hitting the road (and sky) in early June to join Bad Suns and PHEM for their headlining UK tour; dates can be found at waterparksband.com.