Waterparks have officially released their latest single, “BETTER THAN THERAPY,” offering fans a high-octane glimpse into their upcoming sixth studio album, JINX. Set for release on July 24 via BMG/Rise Records, the project promises to be a defining moment for the band, featuring notable collaborations with Mark Hoppus of blink-182, Eric Nally of Foxy Shazam, and Dillon Francis. The album is currently available for pre-order, with fans able to secure signed copies and exclusive colored vinyl variants.
On “BETTER THAN THERAPY,” the band masterfully captures the intensity of finding a connection that feels both all-consuming and slightly volatile. The track was born from a candid admission by frontman Awsten Knight, who noted, “I actually haven’t been to therapy in a couple years and I think it’s catching up with me.” This realization fueled a song that leans into the messy, chaotic nature of modern relationships, celebrating a bond that feels like a necessary, albeit unhealthy, escape.
Exploring the Depth of JINX
With JINX, Waterparks are looking both inward and outward, tackling themes of existential dread, the pressures of public visibility, and the complexities of human connection. The album is described as a collection where nothing is quite as it seems, yet the drive to find meaning remains constant.
The record opens with the cinematic and emotionally raw “TELL ME WHY,” a narrative centered on themes of purgatory and confrontation. This sets the stage for a diverse sonic landscape: “PROWLER” dives deep into isolation, while “RED GUITAR” pivots toward a more swaggering, hook-driven sound. Even when the music turns aggressive or surreal, the band maintains a tightly curated sense of purpose.
A Legacy of Evolution
Waterparks have always thrived on the tension between charm and abrasion. As they move into this new era, the stakes continue to rise. “This album came from so many versions of me,” Knight reflects. “There’s, like, ten versions of me on it, looking back.” With a creative drive that remains as sharp as ever, Knight adds, “My creative competition is me. And I’m hard to beat.”