LP3 by Hippo Campus

A new sound and a life we’re desperately trying to hang on to

By: Carter Starkey

Beloved Minnesota band Hippo Campus is back with their third full-length album, aptly named “LP3.” The new album is the culmination of so much growth for the band. Behind their usual upbeat facade are a new electronic sound and lyrics that embrace the feeling of living in emotional contradiction. Life has its peaks, absolutely, but we can’t always stay at the top. 

The album begins with a reckoning. “2 Young 2 Die” is coming to terms with what we all know is true; we are not here forever. “Everyone takes what they can handle/ Everyone thinks they're too young to die.” From there the album really takes off.

Accompanied by bombastic effects that occasionally make you check if your headphones are working correctly, the group explores themes of impermanence and life. The boys take us for a ride with highlight tracks like “Ashtray,” “Semi-Pro,” and “Ride or Die” before getting to the emotional core of the album through songs like “Listerine” and “Understand.”

“LP3” sounds like the feeling of spending a long summer day with the people you love, and feeling that day turn into a long night. It’s what it feels like to have something you love, and to exist in its expanse, if only for a short while. This album makes me want to grab hold of what I have, squeeze hard, and let it all go.