Hippo Campus have built a loyal fanbase for their playful and imaginative music since their inception nearly a decade ago. You know how some bands start off mediocre and all the sudden become outstanding through time and diligence? Not for Hippo Campus.

For some reason, this Minnesota-bred group has always been a force, which has resulted in worldwide acclaim. Perhaps it’s their musicianship. Perhaps it’s their creativity. Whatever it is, Hippo Campus ride this edge of accessible indie-pop music that explodes with complex character that is hard not to feel and admire.  

Their new record, LP3, takes their progression a step further through means of lyrical vulnerability and personal revelations. “I’m the best at insane,” and “You can’t wash the (bleeped) up out of me tonight,” are two memorable lines from the album. The words come out as a cry for understanding and acceptance in this very tumultuous world artists seem to live in.  

Musically the record takes on a lot of identities. We hear tracks with Philip Glass-inspired arpeggiation, post-punk guitar tones, fuzzed-out percussion and voice tracking, Vampire Weekend-style singer swagger, catchy melodies, as well as synth-heavy and crafty dynamic instrumentation. Even with all these layered sonic elements, the sound is cohesive and true to the band’s aesthetic.  

To put it more simply, if you love a satisfying sing-along with the sound of pleasant chaos and heavy buildups, you are especially going to love this record.  

The Current’s Album of the Week, LP3 by Hippo Campus, is supported by The Zephyr Theatre's Ice Palace Maze