Release date: 23rd October 2026
When it comes to writing and recording a new album, it can be all too easy to fall back to what is comfortable and easy, and rehash what has already been done. Windwaker, however, boldly march to their drum and their third album smile, you’re on camera, is their third distinctly sounding album, which I really respect. As much as I was desperate for Hyperviolence part two, smile, you’re on camera has its own identity – it’s clear that with each album the band releases, they intentionally give each one its own identity and sound to keep things fresh, with this one being more of an alternative/hip-hop led piece than previous offerings.
Since I first discovered Windwaker via a promo of their previous album Hyperviolence, I’ve really delved heavily into their incredible back catalogue (hardly any duds!) and their music really resonates with me as a result. Additionally, they also back up their recorded material with a kick-ass live show I was lucky enough to bear witness to earlier in the year when they finally made it over to Europe, which honestly felt like a life-changing experience for me due to how magnificent and emotive the performance was.
…So it kind of stings that this album does not invoke the same reaction in me compared to their previous releases.
Perhaps it’s because Hyperviolence was just *up there* for me, and smile, you’re on camera is practically so different in comparison, or perhaps it’s because their more recent singles are some of the weaker tracks of the release so it wound up dampening the hype I had – but smile, you’re on camera just doesn’t seem to scratch that itch for me. The flow feels sporadic, with songs jumping back and forth in style and approach, and not many of the songs have left a major impression or remained stuck in my head after I’ve given it a more extensive listen.
That doesn’t mean that smile, you’re on camera doesn’t have some really great songs on it, of course, and it still sounds like Windwaker, there’s just a different vibe and energy. Older singles Victory Lap and click still sound incredibly fresh after months of listening prior to the album’s launch, and eighth Lie To Me is the strongest track of all, a passionate and melodically-driven inclusion that just strikes you in the heart with some serious emotions – it has this ‘song of the summer’ vibe and is definitely one of the more addictive tracks.
The album does admittedly feel like it’s been built for the live shows rather than home listening, so I’m hoping that some of the songs that I haven’t connected with will translate better in a live environment when I see them again next year. do or die is one of my least favourite tracks because of how sporadic it is as it goes back and forth between the pit-inducing heavy sections with harsh vocals and the weaker hip-hoppy/stripped back parts. Whilst it gives me whiplash when listening due to the stop-start vibe, I get the impression that approach will go pretty hard at a live show – and if a pit isn’t incited as soon as the harsh vocals kick in then there’s something very wrong.
smile, you’re on camera isn’t a bad album, and it will certainly go down a treat with both old and new fans alike. For myself personally, it’s definitely the weakest album of the three they have released so far – but I am keen for them to change my mind when I see the songs in a live format next year.
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