Concert Review: The Ultimate Tour Debut - Red Rock Edition
By: Chloe Trinka
Who thought it would be a good idea to go on a road trip from Michigan to Colorado after college graduation? I suppose I did. After a grueling 18 hour drive and a one mile hike to the top of a Colorado mountain, there it was, Red Rock Amphitheater in all its glory. After what felt like an eon to little seven-year-old Chloe, the day had finally come to check an item off the bucket list.
Photo: Brit O’Brien
On May 2nd, 2023 Hippo Campus debuted their Wasteland EP and tour at the Red Rock Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado. While unusually brisk and bitter on this spring day, the crowd had no issue making the concert feel 100 degrees. You could tell that fans had traveled far and wide to witness the moment their favorite band sold out a Red Rocks show. This universal joy that ran through this crown like lightning bolts was imperative to making this the best show of any of our lives! Add to that the first ever performance of some now favorites like “Yippie Ki Yay” and “Kick In The Teeth” and it's safe to say Hippo Campus did not disappoint.
While the concert endured winds, rain and clouds, Hippo Campus still found a way to shine on stage. From Decarlo’s crystal clear trumpet echoing between the walls of crimson stone to Jake’s smooth vocals vibrating the floor below us, it was an ethereal experience. It was a once in a lifetime experience for everyone involved and I think it’s safe to speak for all of us when I say, we were all extremely grateful to be a part of it. At this set, they played the longest they ever have and brought back some old favorites fans had not seen out of the vault in a while. “Violet,” which used to be their token show closer, was performed right before the song that took its place, “Buttercup”. I thought this was a very nice nod to fans who had been around for a while and in a sense grew up with them as their music matured and evolved.
The set was by far the best performance I have seen and to add another layer, the musicality that is worked into the shows is just impressive. From light colors and pattern movements, they create an environment conducive to fully immersing yourself in the sound. Their entire production puts a massive amount of effort into all the small details so that the concert attendees can just enjoy the multisensory experience.
If the Wasteland tour is coming to a city near you, I highly recommend catching a show. Whether you would consider yourself a newer fan or an older one just into the classics, Hippo Campus is playing a little something for everyone this tour. Their energy is sure to follow to your closest concert venue.