http://www.cpcn.com/articles/100799/mus.dq4.shtml


 October 7–14, 1999

disc quicks|rock/pop

The Hippos
Heads Are Gonna Roll

(Interscope)

Straight outta Southern California, The Hippos have set aside their hyper ska-punk of yesteryear and replaced the ultra-played style with terrifically catchy, synth-heavy power pop. "Lost It," the opening track of their major-label debut, may lead you to believe this is The Hippos of old, with its jerky, upbeat guitars. Yet the remainder of the album, dense with keyboards and poppy harmonies, represents The Hippos’ evolution. Still playing the teen-angst card in the lyrics, Ariel Rechtshaid wails bouncy melodies over the band’s Moog music. Each member plays multiple instruments, which keeps the backing sounds fresh and eclectic. For the most part, The Hippos’ progression from local-act status to band of major-label caliber is a smooth one. The album is not overproduced, maintaining the raw quality of their first release. Their new sound isn’t particularly innovative, but they have chosen good means of inspiration. Both "Wasting My Life" and "Pollution" boast Beatles-esque chord progressions, while "Paulina" and "He Said" owe lots to They Might Be Giants. Despite a poor rendition of Dionne Warwick’s hit "Always Something There to Remind Me" and a song carried over from their first album, Heads Are Gonna Roll is solid, head-boppin’ fun.

—Hillary Rea