Popular indie rock band Hippo Campus is back with their third LP, their newest full-length album since “Bambi,” which was released September of 2018. This new album, quite literally titled “LP3,” which dropped on Feb. 4, is described as a model for what the band hopes their future music will sound like, and many fans are excited about it.
The first teaser of this album came in the form of a song featured on the album titled, “Boys,” in October of 2021, which was just a few months after the release of their EP, “Good Dog, Bad Dream.” Being one of the most popular songs on their new album, “Boys” serves as a great gateway to the main themes and overall vibe of “LP3.” Although this LP is similar to the last, the message displayed in “Boys” is very unique in that it is less about relations to another person or thing, and more about the personal journey of self-discovery through life experience. This song really emphasizes the message of self-reliance and accountability with lyrics like, “Going broke, make it rain / Ain’t got nobody to blame / All this time down the drain.”
Lead vocalist of the band, Jake Luppen, spoke in interviews with Rolling Stone about how he feels like he and possibly some of the other band members really connect with this LP, since this album was even more of a creative group effort than some of their past music. In this LP, everyone added their parts to make it their own. Listeners could even find something to relate to in songs like “2 Young 2 Die,” when Luppen sings, “Everybody’s running from a halo / Everyone thinks that they’re bad inside / Everyone takes what they can handle / Everyone thinks they’re too young to die.” This really adds to the element of the album reflecting on your feelings and how many of us view life and ourselves. These words are something many listeners connect with. Everyone loves to feel understood, and this album captures the real human emotions of the band members and can make fans feel like they are growing up or going through the self-discovery journey with them.
The personal aspect of this LP is also reflected in some of the music videos released for it. The videos for “Boys” and another song titled “Ride or Die” creatively and artistically explore this theme by being very up close and personal with the band members, showing them just walking and feeling the emotions, to them just kind of hanging out in an alleyway as a group of friends does on a normal day.
These artistic elements also follow closely with the band’s “indie” vibe. From heavily filtered and simplistically styled music videos to the imaginative language and symbolism they use to convey meaning in their lyrics, it is overall very pleasing to listen to. In their song “Ashtray” Luppen sings, “You took it to heart like an ashtray / I always forget what I’m trying to say / Asleep at the wheel like a drunk truck driver / Hung up to dry with the thief and the liar.” Not only do these lyrics show emotion, but they also incorporate artistic ideas and language that in many ways leaves the meaning up for interpretation from listeners.
The song “Ride or Die” is one of the more upbeat on the album, capturing the essence of young love and attraction. Personally, this is one of my favorites. It has a nice flow to it and is a good song to help you wake up for any early classes you might have. On the other hand, the song “Semi Pro” is more low-key and brings on deeper feelings and thoughts of self-reflection, which I would listen to while I am studying or just relaxing in general.
“LP3” is a nice addition to Hippo Campus’ discography and a good introduction to what could be a new and exciting phase for the band. Not only is it the kind of music that one could imagine taking a nice walk or bike ride to as the weather gets warmer, but it also includes some good and groovy tunes you can listen to, and relate and interpret as you like. It’s really cool to see a personalized perspective from this band as they establish themselves more and continue to grow since they first got together in 2013.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars