Reviewed by: Sieto Kooijker
Hippos of Doom describe themselves as a, “punk rock band that loves Jesus, Star Wars and anything nerdy“, and I couldn’t agree more with that statement. The first time I heard these guys was on the ‘Kicking It Oldschool’ 7” sampler released by Veritas Vinyl. An amazing punk rock sampler that everyone should have in their collection.
Anyway, last April, Thumper Punk Records and Veritas Vinyl released their new EP through Indie Vision Music as a free download. I couldn’t believe these guys from Huntington Beach haven’t gone big yet. They only have a little over 200 likes on Facebook. It’s about time for a change ’cause these guys rock! Hippos Of Doom are Byron and Bob from fellow Thumper Punk rockers Absolved, Ex-Hit The Deck and Zippy Josh drummer Jak Thorpe and their amazing left handed guitar player Waldo Nava III.
Road Trip has 5 tracks that clock a total of around 12 minutes. The first track is called “Old School Rocking Crew”. Its lyrics are just touring in a nutshell. Musically it’s some nice melodic punkrock with a bit of a ska-ish guitars every now and then.
We continue with “Wool Brigade”. It’s a nice up-tempo punk rock track. I love tight drumming. It’s one excellent song. The lyrics deal with searching for the truth.
For example: “Open your eyes.
Search out your heart.
For the truth that resides inside.
Reach out beyond What you think you know.
A step of faith, seek Christ .
And he shall be found.”
“Holiday Road” is a cover of Lindsay Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac) 1983 single. It’s just another fun track, a song filled with harmonies, smashing guitars and pounding drums.
Let’s rock on with “The Royal Philharmonic Goes To The Bathroom”. This is one heck of a punk rock song. It is fierce and filled with energy. It is probably the best track of the EP and man, Jak is drumming like his life depends on it. But hey one drummer doesn’t make it a punk rock song. There is some high quality music here from all the Hippos.
The EP closes with “Judge Not”. Do I need to say anything more about the message? I think not. The title speaks for itself. As for the music, it is solid melodic pop/punk that even slightly reminded me of some mxpx.
Fans of punk-rock genre, be sure to go over to Indie Vision Music and get your free download. While you’re at it, go over to the Hippos Of Doom facebook and give them a shout of appreciation as well. I’m looking forward hearing more of these guys. In the meantime, I will be checking out some of the other punk-rock bands from Veritas Vinyl and Thumper Punk Records as well.
facebook// www.facebook.com/hipposofdoom
twitter// www.twitter.com/hipposofdoom
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Hippos Of Doom: The Royal Philmarmonic Goes to the Bathroom