Hippo Campus is one of those bands for me, they are always on my playlist and a band that I usually recommend to friends. I found them during my “indie” phase in college and never looked back. Clearly, Hippo Campus has made their mark on my hippocampus (my psychology degree sometimes slips out).
Since 2016, Hippo Campus has been a part of my music rotation. This was the first time I had the chance to see them live, and they didn’t disappoint. The last time they played in San Antonio was at the Paper Tiger in 2017, and I wasn’t able to make it. To finally see another band on my list at one of my favorite venues in the city was incredible.
The atmosphere at this show was welcoming and chill, which is what’s to be expected. It was a welcome change for me since my last few shows have been skewed towards heavy metal and punk. When Hippo Campus took the stage, frontman Jake Luppen was serenaded by the crowd with ‘happy birthday.’ Luppen celebrated his 30th birthday with San Antonio, and we were more than happy to make sure it was one he remembered.
From songs off their latest release “Flood” to their tried-and-true indie anthems, Hippo Campus gave their fans it all. My personal favorites from their catalogue are “Bad Dream Baby,” “Western Kids,” and “South.” “Landmark,” the band’s first full-length record, was my introduction to the band, and nearly 10 years later, it was a treat to hear some of those songs live.
It’s clear that with their new record “Flood,” they were trying to make the best album they could. This album is filled with existential, self-conscious tracks with the same life and energy that Hippo Campus is known for. This mix of music from both my early 20s to now, pushing 30, Hippo Campus is a band that I spent a decent portion of my early adulthood following. “Flood” feels grown-up and the next step in their musical evolution. This came across at their show. The crowd, including myself, were all about the same age, and you could feel the love their fans had for them and their music.
