“Do you want to make another Hippo Campus record? Or do you want to make a record under the name Hippo Campus?” this was the question offered by producer BJ Burton (Low, Bon Iver) when the Minnesota five-piece hit a crossroads with which direction to take their follow-up to Landmark, their 2016 breakthrough. The band have obviously chosen the latter, shedding all the would-be tropes they might have carried over from their debut in favor of more synthesizers, horns and icy drum machine rhythms (frontman Jake Luppen still reminds me of Paddy McAloon from Prefab Sprout; this is a good thing). Highlights include “Golden,” “Honestly,” “Why Even Try” and the title track. This indie exclusive edition comes with a free tote and is pressed on pink ‘blossom’ colored vinyl with printed inner sleeve.

• includes free tote bag
• blossom colored vinyl
• indie exclusive
• printed inner sleeve
• limited edition
• music label: Grand Jury 2018

reviewed by cico buff 12/2018