Hippo Campus excel at heightened sensory imagery – it’s a staple in nearly every song and makes them some of the most carefully attentive songwriters in the game. “Passenger” is a timely and calming track, pining for simplicity but never shying away from responsibility.
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Young people today are subject to political and social pressure at a far higher rate than previous generations Hippo Campus recognize this, having spent time fundraising for issues they care about and teaming up with voter registration organizations while on tour. It begs for a respite from all the chaos emerging around us and instead, asks that we take a breath and appreciate the time we have. Not only has Hippo Campus embraced subtle synth details, but the addition of DeCarlo Jackson and his trumpet added even more dimension to this stunning single.īrimming with nostalgia and romance, the single feels especially pertinent to the lived experiences of young people in this unique cultural moment. “We laughed like fools / to chase our blues down,” he croons against a backdrop of steady percussion. Luppen’s lyrics are poetic and youthful, bringing us with him through his journey of growing pains and young love.
Opening with a gentle syncopated rhythm, “Passenger” builds into a lush and expansive sonic universe. With guidance from long-time Bon Iver producer BJ Burton, Hippo Campus have broadened their musical horizons, coming into their own and leaving the college radio sound behind. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts and have continued to showcase that unique educational experience with their ever-changing sound. The band formed when the four were students at the St. It’s that level of maturity and technical wherewithal that makes Hippo Campus one of the most exciting new bands in the alternative spotlight. I started off with a TR-8 groove and the rest followed pretty naturally.” For this song in particular I tried to challenge myself to write a more complex chord progression to sing to. “Lyrically the themes deal with the challenges of growing alongside the person you love. “’Passenger’ was written in the winter of 2017 after the first four months of touring on landmark,” says singer/guitarist Jake Luppen. It builds upon mid-tempo ballads like “Monsoon” and “Epitaph,” ruled by the piano and filled by a perfectly timed flood of supporting instruments. Where last year’s warm glow reveled in the sun kissed energy of long summer days, “Passenger” moves in the opposite direction, embracing the cool serenity of autumn nights. The Minnesota-based indie sweethearts are talented beyond their years and demonstrate a certain lyrical worldview that feels altogether refreshing and unpretentious. “ Passenger” and “Bambi,” the first two singles off Hippo Campus’ highly anticipated sophomore record BAMBI (out Septemvia Grand Jury Music), follow that experimental trajectory, leaning away from the grit of the band’s early work. As they grow deeper into their understanding of themselves as individuals, their music grows along with them. Considering the band’s youth, this gradual change in sound signifies moments of self-recognition and discovery not only musically, but also personally.
The guitar-driven college rock aura of 2014’s Bashful Creatures was supplemented with Bon Iver style reverb on last year’s debut record, landmark. Over the course of their brief four-year career, Hippo Campus have continued to show growth with their sound. Minnesota indie band Hippo Campus aren’t afraid of pushing sonic boundaries on their path to self-discovery in “Passenger” and “Bambi.”
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