Hippo Campus Review
Article written by and photos by Abigail Scoggin
Hippo Campus, the Midwest’s very own indie-alternative band, has made their way throughout the U.S. on their 2025 FLOOD Tour, which commenced in January. The tour supports their latest album, Flood, a project that marks a significant evolution in the band’s sound. Spanning over 30 dates, the tour has been nothing short of transformative, both for the band and their devoted fanbase. As someone who’s considered themselves a fan for several years, I’ve found Flood to be the most resonant yet. It’s an album that speaks directly to those of us navigating new chapters in life and it’s clear that this emotional honesty was exactly what the band intended.
The night started with Hotline TNT, an alternative-rock band that complemented the evening’s vibes perfectly. I especially enjoyed their instrumentals and the powerful interplay between the guitar and bass, which set a compelling mood for what was to come.
Hippo Campus is most known for their songs “Buttercup” and “Way It Goes,” as well as their rich lyricism and symbolism woven throughout their writing. When they performed at KEMBA Live! in Columbus, Ohio this Tuesday, nothing was lost in translation. Their powerful vocals and evocative lyrics hit exactly where they were meant to: right in the heart. It’s clear that they never miss a beat, delivering a live experience that’s just as impactful as their studio recordings.
One of my favorite things about a Hippo Campus show is that none of them are truly the same. Each show gets a new set of songs, turning each show into a guessing game. This makes things so much more exciting and makes each stop of the tour feel like a unique experience, both for the fans and the band themselves. The shows this band puts on always draw deep emotion out of me, as I find myself resonating with the lyrics and surrounded by others who truly love Hippo Campus for who they are and what they represent. You can sense the closeness among the members, how they have grown up together and built a strong bond that shines through on stage. Moments like Jake Luppen, Nathan Stocker, and Zach Sutton jamming together up front, DeCarlo Jackson stepping away from his usual spot at the back to join the front of the stage, and Whistler Isaiah showcasing not only his drumming, but also his vocals, all created the perfect energy that made the night unforgettable.
I can confidently say that there is truly no place like a Hippo Campus show, and I’m incredibly grateful to have attended multiple dates on this tour. While it’s bittersweet to see the FLOOD Tour come to an end, it’s comforting to know there are still plenty of chances to catch them live this summer.
