Hippo Campus

So I only discovered Hippo Campus after "Way It Goes" was put on my recommended list on Spotify in late November, but it definitely feels like it was destined to be. I think I listened to that song on repeat for the next full day - as one does - and after that, I was hooked. I listened to their "all our songs" playlist on Spotify nonstop, and a week or two later, I discovered that the band was touring in LA. I had no idea if a) I was free, or b) I would have someone to go with, but impulsively I bought two balcony tickets for their Jan. 26 concert at the Fonda Theatre. After forcing my best friend to listen to them (which made her fall in love, too), the day finally came, and we arrived, with fanny packs full of candy, to the venue. We ended up sneaking onto the floor, pretty close to the front, and even though we were desperately excited to see HC, we really enjoyed Sure Sure's friendly, funny, and refreshingly intimate performance. Even so, nothing could have prepared me for Hippo Campus. Their energy from the first moment onstage was electric, and in such a way that the crowd was kind of frozen in their excitement; at least, I was. Entering into each song with a quirky quip or a long instrumental, we loved hearing old favorites, and in the middle of the concert, we were introduced to an equally-electrifying new song. I can go on forever here, but my point is this: any chance you can see this band live, take it. The atmosphere that this band can bring into a room in the span of two hours is genuinely phenomenal, and the impact they had on the people around me was unlike anything I could have predicted. I can honestly say that this concert was one of the best days of my life (and I'm not just quoting Tuesday).

First, I'm a bit biased as my son is the drummer! But! I have watched these boys from the very beginning, and listened to them manifest in my basement as they became a band. And I have to say, and I'm not making this up, people have said from the very beginning that they, "are really good!" Not just their peers, but adults/friends of mine as well, and you can tell when people are "just being nice" and when they are truly impressed. Consistently, I would tell my friends about "my son's band" and they would be like, "Oh, uh huh... yeah,that's great." Then they would actually see them live and always give me THAT LOOK, and say, "Wow.. they ARE really good. No, I'm serious. I'm amazed." And so, I have gone from being one of 20 people in the audience(half parents/family), and thinking, "are these kids amazing, or is it just b/c I'm a dad?", to being 1 of 1500 people in the audience (only about 20 family and friends)and saying, "Yeah... these kids are amazing!!" So let's see... Will the buzz continue? Regardless, I see them every show I can b/c they ARE A FUN BAND!!

Having not heard a great deal of their music beforehand, Hippo Campus definitely managed to create a new fan in me after their gig in Bristol.

Their set was electric, mixing their well known hits in between lesser known and newer songs, providing a great jumping on point for newer fans like myself. Their show was simple but fun, with the band powering through the set list without distracting the crowd with much chatter between songs. Their style comes out in their music and they create a wonderful atmosphere whilst they play.

All too often with gigs nowadays bands push an agenda on people and distract from the music, Hippo Campus remained all about the music and it made the gig such a joy. I'd highly recommend them to anyone, whether you know them well or just started listening to them.

Great gig, 8/10

This live was a mind-blowing experience. The venue was quite small and the crowd was not as big as I expected, however it all turned out amazing and the show felt somehow intimate. Hippo Campus gave us really good vibes, they were chilling among the audience before the show and enjoying the opening act with us. When they got on stage in was simply amazing, it was clear they were having a really good time. They played for about a hour and a half, and they performed songs from pretty much all of their EPs and album, closing with Violet. After the show they spent some time with the fans, taking picture, signing autographs or just chatting. Me and my boyfriend had the chance to talk with Jake and Nathan, and it felt like talking to some friends of ours. Thanks HC!

I've seen Hippo Campus three times within a year--and if it would have been my way, that number would be much higher. All of the concerts have been lively, inviting, and have had the best emotional environments of any concert I've been to. Each time they perform they have something new to add and they perfect the parts which remained consistent throughout each concert. I've never seen a problem within the crowd, I've made a few friends because of them, and I've had friends who don't know the band tell me that they want to come along next time because it looks like a great time. I'd recommend these guys five times over, especially if they're performing with Remo Drive.

The show was great!!! The opener Samia was fantastic and engaged the audience really well. Very glad I got to meet Samia after the show. Not too much waiting in between acts. Hippo Campus was fantastic as usual. I saw them once before and knew I had to go see them again at Upstate Concert Hall. They make the audience feel very part of the show, and band members would talk directly to us every once in a while. I liked the venue. I got there right when doors opened but did not have the most amazing view so I would recommend that others going to this venue arrive even earlier than doors open.

Honestly, the best band ever! On a cold day in March, my best friend Natalia was like Yo, listen to this one song, it has peace weed cocaine and mushrooms and shit, AND I FELL IN LOVE WITH EVERYTHING! Was obsessed with the music, and seeing them a month later, jamming out front row with my best friends, I knew this band had changed my life so much for the better. Never knew music could make me so happy. And their performance style is top notch, you can tell how into their music they are and it is just pure love emitting from those chords. Bless your Souls

Absolutely amazing. Cannot believe I had the opportunity to see the band in person. I really got into them last year right before their concert in SLC but I didn’t know about the concert. The day the tickets came out on sale for this concert I bought one with my close friend. This concert did not disappoint. I absolutely loved every second of it. He sound was perfect and they sounded soooo good live. Love them tons and i’m so happy i got to finally see them.

Awesome show ! It was my fourth time seeing the band, and it's always worth it. The boys put on a great show and know how to get the crowd going. Their music is immeasurably more exhilarating live, and I would heavily recommend going to see them regardless of how big of a fan you are. One critic however, is that sometimes the crowd gets too crazy, pushy, and rude, but that is definitely not the fault of the band. TL;DR great show and go see them if you can.

The show was absolutely amazing. I felt the music in ever part of my body. It was an amazing experience; even though it was my fourth concert it felt like it was my first. They honestly blew me away they get better and better. The musicality in this band is one of the best by far. Their contagious lyrics and amazing guitar riffs just keep you wanting more. Can't wait to see them again. Love you long time hippo campus. Love Jackie.