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WATERPARKS, Melbourne, 2023 / Photo – Darren Chan (@darrenchanphotography)

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WATERPARKS
+ Lights
@ Forum Melbourne,
8th October 2023
(Live Review)

Review by Stephanie Tang

Photos by Darren Chan (@darrenchanphotography)

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WATERPARKS, Melbourne, 2023 / Photo – Darren Chan (@darrenchanphotography)

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On a crisp Sunday night, Melbourne played host to a concert that defied expectations. Fans traipsed in under glowing lights of The Forum to witness Lights and Waterparks. Green and red wigs dotted the barricade, fans paying tribute to the ever-evolving hair colours of the Waterparks’ frontman. This night would be etched in the memory of fans, and random dudes of no political importance, as Knight dubbed the Renaissance statues.

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LIGHTS, Melbourne, 2023 / Photo – Darren Chan (@darrenchanphotography)

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The evening commenced with the enchanting sounds of Lights, who opened her set with a groovy pop infused hip hop number. Stylish like a cat burglar dancing under moon glow, Lights quickly captivated the audience’s attention. Oozing confidence and cool, fans of K Flay, PVRIS or Paramore really need to listen to Lights if they don’t already.

As Lights effortlessly shifted through genres ranging from synth rock to pop-rock, electro and dance the audience was treated to a musical odyssey beyond boundaries. The stage was bathed in electric blue and deep reds. The strobing light and bouncing beats combined to mirror the complexity and dynamism of the melodies.

The melodies were multi-layered, featuring an enchanting fusion of plodding basslines against tightly plucked guitars, all harmoniously accompanying Poxleitner’s soulful vocals. Though she incorporated vocal distortion at times, her professionalism as a singer shone through. A voice as clear as crystal and strong as diamonds, soared throughout the performance. Lights are a supporting band on this tour, but they are no amateurs.

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LIGHTS, Melbourne, 2023 / Photo – Darren Chan (@darrenchanphotography)

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Upon hearing me say I was impressed with Lights’ musicianship despite never having heard them before tonight, the lady next to me says this is the third time she has seen Lights this week. Her and her daughter are massive Waterparks and Lights fans, taking a pilgrimage from Sydney to Brisbane and now Melbourne wanting to catch as many shows as they can. What did they say about Australia not being worth travelling to perform to? That would be an injustice to these very dedicated fans.

A darkened room envelopes the audience, and eerie siren-like sounds fill the air. A sea of phones shoots into the air, anticipating Waterparks. Donning an Akubra hat, Knight bursts onto the stage with an electrifying presence, igniting instant energy from the ecstatic crowd. With Wigington on guitar and Wood behind the drums, the trio would go on to dominate the night.

Waterparks had graced Melbourne six years prior, an experience they humorously recounted as “the only live show that has ever bested Waterparks” due to the lack of air in the tiny venue. They gleefully acknowledged their growth, which allows them to play in a venue with proper air conditioning!

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WATERPARKS, Melbourne, 2023 / Photo – Darren Chan (@darrenchanphotography)

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Amidst their vibrant performance, Knight engaged in playful banter, sharing jokes with the audience, and even declaring the set list is God, and can’t be given. However Grant the security guard, might bestow a fist bump upon those deserving, and fans can have it later.

Waterparks’ set list spanned nearly their whole discography, from old school classics like “Stupid For You,” “Crave,” and “Royal” to newer tracks like “Dreamboy,” “Turbulent,” and “Ritual.” The set peaked with the manic performance of “Ritual,” where Knight instigated a frenzied pit of leaping legs and flailing limbs.

Whilst talking, it was evident Knight was losing his voice. This was the fourth consecutive night Waterparks had played since starting their Australian tour. However, the vocal lessons the frontman shared he had been taking, was very much helping. As when singing no strain could be heard. Even during their acoustic take of poignant pop-folk song “I Miss Having Sex, But At Least I Don’t Wanna Die Anymore.”

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WATERPARKS, Melbourne, 2023 / Photo – Darren Chan (@darrenchanphotography)

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Highlights were aplenty during the night, with Waterparks being thrown “Jumpy” chips from fans, and Lights being gifted a flower. Waterparks even treated fans to a sneak peek of an unreleased track, “Sneaking Out Of Heaven.” Not even the US fans had heard this one yet.

Waterparks’ set concluded with the ironic for the situation, but fitting “Funeral Grey,” leaving the crowd yearning for more. Arms were waving, voices chirpy and spirits high with the crowd determined to show their appreciation through energy levels. As the night ended, the crowd’s roars of approval echoed through The Forum, a testament to the extraordinary talent that Waterparks has for entertaining an audience, writing catchy as all hell hooks, and penning lyrics of cathartic chaos.

Melbourne was treated to a night of unforgettable music, characterized by Lights’ genre-blurring melodies and Waterparks’ unbridled energy. Waterparks say their return will be much sooner next time. With the unexpected performance of a not yet released song, perhaps a new album could tide fans over until then. What a line up, what a set list, what a massive performance from both bands.

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WATERPARKS, Melbourne, 2023 / Photo – Darren Chan (@darrenchanphotography)

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Check out Darren Chan’s (@darrenchanphotography) full gallery of this show on the 8th October 2023 HERE

Check out Elise De Simoni’s (@elisedphoto) full gallery of the Adelaide show on the 5th October 2023 HERE

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Follow WATERPARKS
Website – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram

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WATERPARKS, Melbourne, 2023 / Photo – Darren Chan (@darrenchanphotography)

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Press Release 10th August 2023 (below) HERE

WATERPARKS
Sydney and Brisbane shows
Sold Out

Debut Australian Headline Tour
With Special Guests
LIGHTS
this October – selling fast

New Album 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Out Now

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AMNPLIFY – DB