Hippo Campus announce ‘Wasteland’ EP, share first single
Kick in the Teeth is the band’s first release off of upcoming their Wasteland EP
Photo: Shervin Lainez
2023 is shaping up to be a big year for Hippo Campus. The infamous indie band will release their sixth EP in April, with the project’s lead single Kick In the Teeth released alongside the announcement. The new release follows their third studio album — aptly titled LP3 — and the previous EP, Good Dog, Bad Dream.
Wasteland EP Artwork
Claimed as alternative indie rockers in their new era, the band further adapts a reworked approach to their musical style with Kick in the Teeth. Lyrically, the song follows the confessions and desires of a lonesome hopeless romantic as they long for a shot at love (“So when you go home, could you think about me? / I’m about as lonely as a cowboy can be / And a night without you is a kick in the teeth / So when you go home, could you think about me?”). It has a twangy feel, with plenty of guitars and a mellow melody that makes it irresistible to sway along. It’s a short and sweet antidote to perfectly preview what Wasteland has to offer. It’s less brash than some other songs the band had in their previous works; however, it doesn’t detract from their determination to deliver something of quality.
Wasteland is described as an EP with odes to friendship, hardship, heartbreak, and perseverance. A potential surprise to listeners, it’s been inspired by the songwriting strategies of country music; the direct conveying of meaning and imagery at the forefront is what shapes the direction of the project. It’s also a reflection of the band as they have grown in the past year. Considering a successful tour run and everything their previous projects have brought them, it’s sure to be a worthwhile listening experience.
Hippo Campus will support Wasteland with a U.S. tour (announced prior to the EP) with support from indie-pop up-and-comer Gus Dapperton and power-pop band Charly Bliss. Select dates will have support from indie-pop singer Miloe and alt-pop act Papa Mbye. Tour stops include appearances at Central Park Summerstage and Bonaroo.
Wasteland will be released on April 14th via Grand Jury Records.
