11/15/15, 8:25 PMJR JR and Hippo Campus energize the Bottleneck in Friday concert - The University Daily Kansan: Arts And Culture

Page 1 of 2http://www.kansan.com/arts_and_culture/jr-jr-and-hippo-campus-energize-the-…eck-in-friday/article_5ec39e96-6a02-11e5-8b49-436e5243848c.html?mode=print

JR JR and Hippo Campus energize the Bottleneck inFriday concertMadi Schulz l @Mad_Dawgg | Posted: Saturday, October 3, 2015 2:10 pm

Indie-pop band JR JR and opener Hippo Campus broughtthe energy to the Bottleneck stage Friday night.

Hippo Campus, a band of four from Minnesota, began thenight on a good note, performing songs from its newextended play recording, , which dropped that day,as well as past singles.

South

Although it was just the opener, Hippo Campus drew itsown fans. Freshman Katilyn Foster from Lawrence saidshe fell in love with the band after it opened for theMowgli’s last year at the Midland in Kansas City, Mo.

“I really like 'Close to Gold.' I haven’t listened to it much,but they played it tonight and it’s very energetic,” Fostersaid. “I also really like 'The Halocline'; it’s totally different from the rest of their songs. It’s a lot morechill, but, if you look up the definition of , [a usually vertical gradient in salinity] you get it.”halocline

Definitions aside, Hippo Campus easily commanded the attention of the crowd with apparent talent andstage presence, comfortably joking and, to the enjoyment of the Lawrence locals, mentioning the bandmembers ate at the Burger Stand that day.

After Hippo Campus’ almost hour-long set, JR JR took the stage, flanked by giant neon letters of theband’s name. Opening with “As Time Goes,” front men Daniel Zott and Joshua Epstein both playedmultiple instruments throughout--including the saxophone for Epstein--as they easily transitioned fromsong to song.

Concertgoers sang along — a testament to the true fandom present — jumped and danced through thetypically high-energy, fast-paced songs. They also got a chance to slow down shortly into the set when JRJR played its popular song “James Dean,” which is just as cool as the song’s title.

Just like its opener, JR JR displayed the stage presence of a truly talented band that has played plenty oflive shows. The difference between their live performance and their recorded music was slim —

JR JR

The band JR JR performs at The Bottleneckon Friday night.

11/15/15, 8:25 PMJR JR and Hippo Campus energize the Bottleneck in Friday concert - The University Daily Kansan: Arts And Culture

Page 2 of 2http://www.kansan.com/arts_and_culture/jr-jr-and-hippo-campus-energize-the-…eck-in-friday/article_5ec39e96-6a02-11e5-8b49-436e5243848c.html?mode=print

generally a good measurement of a band’s talent. Although the crowd was small, JR JR performed as if itwas playing to thousands.

“For such a small venue, there were a lot of good vibes and a positive atmosphere,” said junior KylieVandeven from Kansas City, Mo. “JR JR performed with a lot of energy. and the flashy lights only madeit even cooler. [It was an] awesome concert.”

— Edited by Dani Malakoff

Gallery: Missed Jr Jr Friday night? Check out images of the concerthere

In the past six years, JR JR (formerly known as Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.) has played across the country, hada song featured on "I am Cait" and …