HIPPO CAMPUS - WASTELAND
After a clear recent pivot from indie-pop band Hippo Campus into a new electronic sound, the brand new Wasteland EP surprises us all with a unique fusion of influences from their previous releases and solo projects. Their classic indie-pop sound pairs beautifully with this new electronic production, with hints of a country-western vibe prevalent throughout the release.
The release cycle kicks off with the lyrically complex and musically sweet and tangy ‘Kick in the Teeth.’ After years of hearing Hippo Campus drenched in vocal effects, it’s refreshing to hear clean vocals over acoustic instrumentation. This surprise single left many fans hopeful that Hippo Campus would be returning to their roots as an indie-pop super-group.
The EP begins with the appropriately playfully named ‘Moonshine.’ Starting off on an interesting note with bluegrass-inspired instrumentation and a slight country twang from Midwestern-vocalist Jake Luppen. The hook constantly repeats “I think I’m gonna be something some day,” over a simple boogy-folk beat. For long-term Hippo Campus fans who feel drawn away from their newer sound, the immediate use of acoustic instrumentation which appropriately kicks off the EP feels like a breath of fresh air.
The wonderfully named ‘Yippie Ki Yay’ follows along with this new bluegrass/country-energy, keeping an overall playful and light-hearted vibe present, even with lyrics that sing of panic, despair, and depression.
Luppen’s newfound southern twang is more prevalent than ever in the fun third track, layered with complexities. With profound lyrics that sing of embracing change no matter how dreadful it may seem, “nothing good is ever getting better if you hold too tightly” offers a refreshingly positive perspective that encourages embracing the unknown, even if it’s terrifying.
Whether it’s through a crashing bridge marked by the signature Hippo Campus trumpeter DeCarlo Jackson, their innovative use of vocal effects, or the surprisingly soft and heart-wrenching break-up track ‘Probably,’ Wasteland is the perfect combination of the sound that attracted so many fans to Hippo Campus in the first place, while still honoring the artistic growth that each member experienced both in and out of this band.
Emily Gottlieb
★★★★★