Diandra Reviews It All

Okay, first Jidenna, now Hippo Campus! What is it with artists that seem far from making a debut? Hippo Campus has been blossoming for some time in the indie rock-pop scene, and the Minnesotans “feel-good” tracks have a brightness particular to them. For some reason. they make feeling “cheesy” about life feel less cheesy, especially in their debut record: Landmark.
Hippo Campus – simple season (Official Live Video)

simple season

For a world that wishes to be happy, we often degrade the notion as impossible and unreal. Many times, you will find negativity praised for its realism, and positivity shunned but admired for its ideal delusion. The truth is life is about perspective, which is why two people can look at the same thing and see completely different stories/ details. I make this point to elaborate the success and wonder of Landmark as an album. It is a record for perspective, in which each song is sung with a lyrical/vocal distance that makes listeners feel like they are peering into Hippo Campus’ world. It is beautiful in that it is not trying to be beautiful. Jake Luppen’s voice feels like when your lover randomly holds your hand or tells you how great you are. He knows how to keep his tone straight enough so that listeners will feel taken by it, but blends excellently with melodies so that listeners will also feel attracted by the spontaneous depth of Hippo Campus’ lyricism. The band’s debut resonates with other bands like, Vampire Weekend and Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, who know how to bring a duality to their music. On one hand, their guitar melodies are sunny and spiritual, while their lyrics are perceptive and piercing.
Hippo Campus – way it goes (Official Video)

way it goes

Hippo Campus’ debut is strong and one that declared their future in music is long and prosperous. In a music world, that can feel divided between what people are given to listen to (radio) and what people love and find in their indie scenes, Hippo Campus has the potential to be on both frequencies. Yet, like the bands mentioned above, it is the love you make people feel that give you success. Songs like “Poems”, “Sun Veins”, and “Monsoon”, captivate in their effortlessness and ability to pour out of your headphones like clear water falling upon your mind. This band know hows to make words and instrumental feel dreamy enough to turn simple, boring situation like looking around your room or walking on a street appear like the m0st gorgeous thing you have ever done. Again, Hippo Campus knows how to be perceptive without “flash”, but that ability also amplifies their funner tracks such as the delightful “Buttercup” , “Western Kids”, and “Boyish”.There are definitely influences of surf pop pacing through their alternative guitar chords that give a sense of cool euphoria to life. I marvel at this aspect because it makes me feel ,as well as listeners, that may be Heaven is just good music with good friends.

Hippo Campus – boyish (Official Music Video)

boyish