Reviewed by: Clinton Camper

May 19, 2023 at Moody Ampitheater

Hippo Campus sounded even better in person at the Moody Amphitheater last month.

The Minnesota band took to the stage and was met with a roaring applause. Opening with “2 Young 2 Die,” a song from their 2022 album, “LP3,” the band began their 20-song run at 8:30 p.m.

Besides having a bold stage presence and a loud sound, the band has a dynamic relationship with each other while performing. Jake Luppen, lead singer of the indie band, only stopped the show to say hello to the audience, thank fans and announce the band has been officially together for over ten years.

Hippo Campus played a wide variety of their discography but focused on their newer music. The lights were dim, casting a shadow over Luppen, who showcased his wide vocal range, often singing in his signature high falsetto for songs like “Ride or Die.”

Next, the lights became white and fully fluorescent only for the performance of “Way it Goes,” which the band played before the finishing encore.

Concluding the concert with “Buttercup,” the audience sang along and danced to every word. Everyone in the audience was captivated throughout the 90- minute set, in which the band was cheerful to be on stage in Austin, TX.