Hippo Campus Brings Triumphant Trumpeting & Expressive Rock To Michigan Theater (SHOW REVIEW)

Earlier this year, Hippo Campus released their latest album, LP3 – taking the record for a spin on a tour of the same name. Along the way, the Minnesota outfit played their first-ever show in Ann Arbor on October 3rd. With a packed crowd on hand at the Michigan Theater, the band played new cuts and old favorites. Here are five moments that stood out: 

LP3 Highlights

Unsurprisingly, the album most well represented on the setlist was LP3. A few of the recent record’s early highlights in the show included opening with the contemplative “2 Young 2 Die,” providing a big spotlight for trumpeter DeCarlo Jackson on “Ride or Die,” and showcasing lead singer Jake Luppen’s soaring vocals on “Semi Pro.”

Luppen’s Impressive Vocals

Speaking of Luppen, the vocalist showcased an eclectic variety of vocal skills throughout the set. On “Bad Dream Baby,” he utilized a deeper croon and evoked an early call-and-response with the crowd. On “Sex Tape,” he held a sustained, high-pitch note, buoyed by loud cheers from the crowd. And on “Simple Season,” he modulated his voice and helped launch a clap-along through the theater.  

Triumphant Trumpeting

Jackson’s trumpet work helped give additional depth to Hippo Campus’ live renditions, even beyond their studio recordings. The crowd applauded the triumphant trumpet emerging from the back half of “Bambi” and providing extra oomph to the anthemic “Deepfake.” And when he wasn’t on trumpet, he showed his versatility, hyping up the crowd on the tambourine on “South” and doubling up on the beat for “Ease Up Kid” in tandem with drummer Whistler Isaiah Allen. 

Closing Strong

The band ended the main portion of their set on a high note. The crowd recognized their hit “Way It Goes” right from the start of its sturdy guitar riff. Luppen encouraged the crowd to sing along, and the audience gladly obliged as they bounced along to the jangly track. And penultimate track “Understand” let guitarist Nathan Stocker shine with his skittering riff. Even more impressively, the track showcased a five-way harmony, layering the singing of Luppen, Stocker, Jackson, Allen, and bassist Zach Sutton into a complex vocal output befitting of their lush, multi-layered instrumentation. 

Electrifying Encore

After Hippo Campus left the stage, a round of loud cheers swelled through the crowd, beckoning them to return. The band saved a couple of their Landmark tracks to end the set: “Poems” and “Buttercup.” The latter, one of Hippo Campus’ most popular tracks, was a perfect closer, delivering one more slice of indie pop bliss to the audience. Once again, the fans realized the song from the get-go, bouncing and clapping along to Luppen’s increasingly urgent vocals, the accelerating whump of the dual drum kits, and the track’s jamming guitar riffs.  

Hippo Campus Setlist Michigan Theater, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 2022

 

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One Response

  1. Oh I have been a fan of Hippo Campus for a long time. So proud of the great leadership of Mr. DeCarlo Jackson & his versatile musical talent. Thank you & keep it up.

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