Demos II
Hippo Campus · 2019
29 min · 9 tracks · indie rock
Lo-fi indie rock demos that capture the raw essence of youthful experimentation and melodic introspection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Chapstick (Demo) — This track exemplifies the band's signature sound with its catchy melodies and lyrical playfulness, making it a standout among the demos.
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Elephant Boys (Demo) — Offering a more reflective tone, this demo captures a sense of nostalgia that resonates deeply with listeners, showcasing the band's lyrical depth.
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Joy (Demo) — With its upbeat tempo and infectious energy, this track encapsulates the spirit of youthful exuberance that permeates the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Demos II captures the band's experimental phase with raw arrangements and a strong emotional core.
What we noticed
- The album features a lo-fi production style, with raw vocal takes and minimal instrumentation that emphasize the songwriting.
- Each track is presented as a demo, often including extended instrumental sections that showcase experimentation.
- The sequencing of tracks flows from more upbeat songs to introspective pieces, creating a dynamic emotional arc.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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5/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- youthful experimentation and spontaneity
- short bursts of melodic introspection
- late-night chill with friends
- playful energy in casual settings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished studio productions
- need longer tracks for engagement
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Demos II serves as Hippo Campus' follow-up to their 2017 debut album, landmarking their evolution into a more experimental sound. By this point, they had already established a growing fanbase and were exploring new musical ideas in a more informal format.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Vampire Weekend· Foster the People· Coin
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Kentucky (Demo)
A poignant moment occurs when the narrative shifts from personal reflection to broader themes of belonging and identity.
This shift expands the song's emotional landscape, inviting listeners to connect their own experiences with the themes presented.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Chapstick (Demo) 3:18
- 2 No Poms (Demo) 2:51
- 3 Pin (Demo) 3:55
- 4 Elephant Boys (Demo) 4:34
- 5 Kentucky (Demo) 4:01
- 6 Ease Up Kid (Demo) 2:40
- 7 Cellar Door (Demo) 2:08
- 8 Champion (Demo) 3:11
- 9 Joy (Demo) 3:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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