Intellectual Property continues Waterparks’s experimental discography focused on mental health as the band tries to find a way to monetize their problems. 

Waterparks’s music is developed from modern rock and post-punk influences, but they take electronic elements from modern pop. 

“Real Super Dark,” the second song on the album, starts with an attack on media Karens who want to “speak to (the) manager.”  

The song goes on to describe all the reckless destruction the band’s manager could be too busy cleaning up to talk to them. It is yet another commentary on the lengths rock stars tend to go to for publicity and the effect on their mental health.  

The song contains a heavy electronic backing with metal influences while keeping exaggerated riffs in vocal pauses. Most of the vocals are backed with simplistic beats that call attention to the lyrics. 

Another song, “2 Best Friends,” takes an entirely different direction. It is a lighthearted, upbeat song about spending time with friends to stop thinking about an ex, but it is not working. 

It’s a relatable post-breakup song without being too sad. It treats getting over relationships as a simplistic fact of life and the song doesn’t take itself too seriously. The song is repetitive and drags on a little, but is still catchy. 

The song “Closer” contemplates the idea of relationships that need to end, but not explicitly romantic ones. The chorus contains a touching repetition of “I need you closer/Or I need it over.”

While the song has a great message and lyrics, the band’s sound makes it feel whiny and entitled. It is a great song containing raw emotion and beautiful language but it could work much better for another artist. 

Intellectual Property contains a lot of experimentation by Waterparks, and those looking for music about mental health regardless of genre will probably find a song they enjoy.