Ten days before Bambi’s birth, Hippo Campus came to New York for promo and an intimate album preview gig. That’s changed, on tracks like “Doubt,” “Honesty,” “Why Even Try” and a remarkably atmospheric, almost post-rock opener “Mistakes.” Hippo Campus have never been shy about dealing with “big” questions - growing up, masculinity, misogyny, divorce and even death have all been explored in past songs - but a Midwestern reticence for heart-on-the-sleeve sharing has kept Luppen, until now, from delving too deeply into relationships, of the big and small “r” varieties. Dealing with internecine tension - giving voice to papered-over issues within the band and in Luppen’s own romantic relationship - figures prominently on the record. It’s named after Luppen’s aunt, whose cabin-styled lake house has figured prominently in Hippo Campus’ history, as a place for writing, recalibrating, and mending fences when there was band strife going on. Released last month and accompanied by a gorgeous, Kyle Sauer-directed surrealistic video, “Bambi” is a soulful musing on “serving” oneself - opening up to those closest to you - that’s especially meaningful to the band. ![]() ![]() Taking turns in the spotlight, Luppen’s clear vocals captivated the audience before he turned everyone’s attention to Stocker, whose unaccompanied guitar left the crowd spellbound.There’s no better evidence of the turn than the album’s title track. They followed up with ‘Warm Glow’ as the crowd clapped along and swayed back and forth, continuing the motion into ‘Monsoon’. Stocker took a moment to thank the crowd for coming out before the band transitioned into the chill-inducing ‘Passenger’, filled with the harmonies that – while being characteristic of Hippo Campus – are exceedingly more rewarding in person. Demonstrating the bands’ multi-instrumental talents, Jackson played bass and Sutton jumped on keys during ‘Doubt’, an upbeat but deceivingly emotional highlight from the band’s sophomore album. Alongside captivating melodies, Stocker’s guitar skills and the group’s overall playful energy got the audience dancing. ![]() Maintaining a good balance between old and new tunes, Hippo Campus followed up with fan favourite ‘Way it Goes’, pulled from their debut album. Jackson’s skilled trumpet playing wrapped up the number, cutting through the cheering before the group seamlessly transitioned into ‘Golden’, which showcased Luppen’s effortlessly clear vocals. Being the lead single and title track from Hippo Campus’s new album, the crowd demonstrated their familiarity by singing along with the band’s quintessential harmonising vocals. Jake Luppen, Nathan Stocker, Whistler Isaiah Allen, Zach Sutton and Decarlo Jackson took the dark stage, welcomed by a sold-out floor of adoring fans as the familiar backing track to ‘Bambi’ played out. Minnesota natives Hippo Campus were spending one of the last days of their Bambi Tour in London, and fans were getting ready for a night of stunning musicality and affecting performance. Photos by Josien van Oostveen and review by Molly ChenĪ line of hundreds stretched around the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire last Thursday, filled with indie enthusiasts as they waited for the venue’s doors to open. O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire // London, England // 21 February 2019
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |