Good Dog, Bad Dream

Released in 2021, Good Dog, Bad Dream represents a significant pivot for Hippo Campus, moving away from the 'chamber pop' and 'clean indie' labels that defined their early career. This five-track EP was born out of a period of intense self-reflection and a desire to shed the pressures of the music industry. Sonically, it is characterized by its use of distortion, unconventional song structures, and a more aggressive vocal approach from Luppen. The recording context involved the band taking more control over their production, resulting in a 'lo-fi' but high-energy aesthetic that feels more aligned with garage rock or noise pop than their previous studio-polished efforts. Critical reception, including notes from AllMusic, highlighted the EP's cathartic nature and its successful attempt to subvert fan expectations. It stands as a bold declaration of independence within their catalog, proving their versatility and willingness to alienate their own 'bright' brand in favor of artistic truth.