Ultraviolet Hippopotamus

For the unfamiliar, consult urbandictionary.com to learn that “North Coast” refers to an area of the Midwest within 60 miles of a Great Lake. Chicago certainly qualifies, but so does Grand Rapids, Michigan, hometown of 5-piece hodgepodgers Ultraviolet Hippopotamus. Not a cacophonous, disorganized, unwelcome arrangement, they bring unexpected odds and ends to the uninitiated. UV Hippo effortlessly transition from a lyric-free (and lengthy) instrumental jam session to an ode to the aforementioned geographical region they hold dear: “We got dunes, waterfalls, and plenty of trees / We got islands of mystery / The kind of music that will never let you sleep / Everything that would make it seem / Like we’re living in a beautiful dream.” It’s a sentiment shared by other North Coasters, perhaps never as exuberantly as when UV Hippo and fans unite at live shows. Get acquainted now and you’ll be old friends by the time the Hippo bring their ultraviolet waves to the North Coast capital this month. (Appearing with The Black Box Revelation and Fresh Hops at Double Door on May 30) –text: Lisette Medina–photo: Abby Fox Photography