A Concert Review: Hippo Campus at Cain’s Ballroom

By: Deevia Fierro

Photo Credit: Self

For a night of head banging and hip shaking, look no further than to Hippo Campus, who shook the halls of Cain’s ballroom April 20th. On their 3rd stop of promoting their latest album that came out late last year, The Bambi Tour highlighted the best of Hippo Campus. With their “chill vibes” music and a contrast of high energy performance, the concert proved to be a unique experience.

Dedicated fans crammed up at the front of the stage awaiting eagerly for the band to come out from the side stages to start the concert. Though I stood to the back of the pit, I still felt that same rush people who camped out for hours got when snatching a front row spot. Frequent concert goers know that anywhere at Cain’s Ballroom is an amazing view to see their favorite musicians preform live. The venue was filled to the brim with all different types of people; with ages ranging from fifteen to fifty there was a fan in everyone.

The anticipation grew higher as the nine o’clock start time grew nearer, and as soon as the lights went dim, screams and chants erupted from the crowd. The five members of Hippo Campus emerged from the bright lights as each one picked up their instrument. The shine from their guitars blinded me from the back of the crowd as the music started to play.

Rock ballads were blasting from the speakers, as Jake Luppen (lead vocals/guitar), Nathan Stocker (lead guitar/vocals), Zach Sutton (bass/keyboard), and Whistler Isaiah Allen (drums/vocals) all started jamming to tracks “Bambi”, “Golden”, and “Doubt” from their junior album. Each has their own unique sound that encompasses the albums vibe of chill indie, as a whole.

Though this tour is meant to give fans the chance to hear the new tunes live, there were several songs from their previous albums played as well. Songs such as “Baseball” which is a definite fan favorite, and “Way It Goes” were some of the first songs the band played. Every word was repeated back to them from the crowd, as the yelling of the lyrics messed with the feedback from the microphone.

Suddenly the music stopped as the band brought out a member of their tour crew to wish him a happy birthday. The crowd played along, singing “Rick” a very happy birthday with claps and cheers. Along with the birthday melody, Jake decided to acknowledge another celebration for the day: 4/20 – known as the holiday to smoke weed.

“If you’ve got it, smoke it.” The band sung “Warm Glow” to commemorate the special occasion.

Clouds of smoke filled the air all the way to the end of the concert, which only added to the “cool kids vibes” of the concert. Shades of green illuminated in the room with Hippo Campus playing their last song “Buttercup” to conclude a night of good times.

It’s no wonder why Hippo Campus left the stage with fans only wanting more.