Waterparks - Live Review

 Waterparks, Chapel and The Bottom Line @ Academy 2, Birmingham - 29/09/17

Some people were able to say “I was there” whether that be for the breakthrough of The Beatles, The Sex Pistols or some of the other legendary bands that have had those moments in clubs across the UK. Birmingham’s Academy 2 had that feeling, when young Texan trio Waterparks walked out onto the stage to a sell out crowd. 

Before the headliners, we walked into the room a couple of songs into The Bottom Line who had the crowd bouncing already. Bands like Waterparks, have a fanbase who get to gigs early and absorb the support acts like a sponge, hence why the crowd seem to be into every song The Bottom Line pull out of their pocket, especially a cover of ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ by Wheatus. 

The evenings second band offer a change in tone, but a change that is refreshing and new. There is often criticism, when promoters and tour agents book three bands who are exactly the same, Chapel are certainly not anything like either The Bottom Line or Waterparks. Giving off a bit of a Twenty One Pilots vibe, possibly because they are a duo, Chapel bring a tonne of energy but instead of bouncing we a treated to some dancing. Despite the difference in genre, the crowd are still gave it everything.

This show was the biggest venue of Waterparks European Tour, and it was also a sell out, making it the bands biggest crowd ever this side of the Atlantic, a pretty big feat for a band who are touring and promoting their debut album ‘Double Dare’ which is a year old in November. Waterparks are clearly on the brink of something very special, the deafening reaction says a lot and is potentially a indicator of where they have the potential to go, the All Time Low of the next generation perhaps? The band show the crowd a lot of respect, and are seemingly willing to leave everything on the stage. They have this amazing colourful presence, and their sound goes along with that. They have such a fresh take on pop punk, they’re punchy and fun with a bit of pizzazz! Waterparks are ace. Watch out for them.