SXSW was my first introduction to Minnesota’s indie rockers of Hippo Campus. I can’t say their name without smirking, but their music is seriously good.
I caught the band of boys on Thursday at the Mohawk. I was impressed by their sugary sounds and stage presence. I mean, they just turned old enough to legally chug a beer and SXSW is daunting for even the most seasoned veterans.
Close your eyes, and Hippo Campus sounds startlingly like a lot of our favorite noisemakers, like COIN, Saint Motel, Grizfolk, COASTS, and Magic Man. (In addition to who we tagged above.) Their music is irresistible and is perfect for the dog days of summer ahead.
My favorite nugget? All of the band members have silly nicknames. Singer/guitarist Jake Luppen is known as “Turntan,” guitarist Nathan Stocker is “Stitches,” bassist Zach Sutton answers to “Espo,” and drummer Whistler Allen is called “Beans.”
Ridiculous band name. Ridiculous nicknames. Excellent noise. Enjoy!
SIMILAR SONGS
