Waterparks’ brand new “RED GUITAR” isn’t the only new thing for the alternative rock trailblazers. The newly released single marks the band’s first release since the cancellation of the independently-led IP2 album and signing to BMG, as well as a headfirst dive into an exciting new era. Consisting of vocalist and guitarist Awsten Knight, guitarist Geoff Wigington, and drummer Otto Wood, the Houston trio has become a revolutionary act in the modern alternative scene, with their genre-bending abilities and art-above-all attitude that command your attention.
“RED GUITAR” feels like an explosive smack to the face from the get-go. Knight hits the audience with “What’s up, I’m Awsten and I’m fucking exhausted!” in its first verse, already signaling that they’re in for a wild ride (as with any Waterparks track). “RED GUITAR” follows Knight as he looks back at his younger self and reflects on the ruthless reality of the music industry. The lyrics tackle questions of whether all the turmoil was worth it as Knight expresses, “So hard to remember why I even do this, oh yeah / The delusion that I’ve had since I was thirteen / That I could write a song and they’d put me on a magazine.” Speaking on the track, Knight shares,
“After a year of trials and tribulations, we have arisen from the smoke, like Captain America — maybe Iron Man instead. I haven’t seen most of those movies. However Infinity War ended, probably. RIP Ant Man. This is the best song from a band in the last 10 years, ask anyone. Either this song or the next one will be our biggest one, again, ask anyone. RIP Iron Man. Stream the song until we make physicals and then go buy one of those. It’s a plaque attack, baby. I love you. God help us all. Thanks!”
The bittersweet truth behind the sacrificial nature of working towards and achieving dreams like this is prevalent through the song’s two and a half minute duration. Its second verse sees the more experienced, worn-out Knight imagining a conversation with this hopeful, younger version of himself. After receiving the run-down of his future, his younger self worriedly asks if this was even worth it, to which present-day Knight chillingly establishes, “It’s our purpose.”
As the song nears its end, Knight rips a killer guitar solo, which was revealed to be done in one take on an Instagram live prior to the song’s release. The riff is arguably one of the most impressive and dynamic moments on “RED GUITAR.” Produced by Knight and NCKZN, the track’s unparalleled instrumental is as interesting and bold as its honest yet inspirational theme.
In a post shared to his X account, Knight also shares,
“I JUST WANT YOU TO HEAR [RED GUITAR] IN FULL CONTEXT AND JUST EXPERIENCE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME, BEST QUALITY, WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. THIS WAS ONE OF THE MOST CONCEPTUALLY CHALLENGING SONGS TO WRITE AND I LOVE IT.”
The band’s continued evolution from a pop-punk band from Houston to an unapologetically authentic global force is unlike anything ever seen before. Whether you collect every last vinyl variant of their albums or question their frontman’s digital footprint, there is no denying that Waterparks’ undying passion for their craft is both refreshing and untouchable. It’s safe to say that the fated brand new “RED GUITAR” with six gold strings and a whammy bar took Knight and his bandmates quite far.
