Press Play: Bambi

On the heels of their 2017 release, Warm Glow, indie/alternative darlings Hippo Campus are back with a ten-song EP, Bambi.  This is the band’s sophomore effort, after full-length record Landmark in 2016, along with a handful of singles and EPs.

Twin Cities-native band Hippo Campus consists of five members: Jake Luppen (vocals and guitar), Nathan Stocker (vocals and guitar), Zach Sutton (bass), Whistler Allen (drums), and DeCarlo Jackson (horns). Onstage, The Turntan, Stitches, Espo, Beans, and DJ, respectively.

Bambi is sonically different than anything Hippo Campus has attempted before.  At once bubbly and frantic, within a breath’s time, things cool to a somber electronic-meltdown.  Sweeping synths and harmonies layer together to create a rich palette from the get-go, starting with “Mistakes” and building through the album to end with “Passenger.” 

 

 

 

The record’s lyrics are much more personal than previous releases.  This shift is largely due to a new writing style for the boys; they wrote separately then brought their pieces together, all while focusing on the atmosphere of the album.  Songs are vulnerable and relatable, exploring relationships and mental health.

 

Check out the self-reflective title track, “Bambi”, here.

“I think that I’m living, if you could call it living, so brash and unforgiving. Ruled by the vibe I’m bringing, serving myself.”

“Golden” is the third single, focusing mainly on the uncertainties in long-term relationships:

“Why is it I want to change for you? Why is it I want to see this through? Maybe I’m sick of sleeping longer nights with lesser feelings.”

Check out more from Hippo Campus and other bands like them by keeping tuned in to RSURadio.com!

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