Hoppípolla are a fairly new discovery for me. I stumbled upon them accidentally on Instagram and I was quite intrigued because they had a cellist in their lineup. So I immediately decided to check them out as I am very much a fan of a similar K-band, Lucy, so I thought they would be just as good. And man was I right. These guys have a certain melancholy feel to them but it's a beautiful melancholy. So, it was no surprise when I found out they take inspiration from my favorite alternative band, Radiohead, and clearly take inspiration from post rock band, Sigur Rós, who I also enjoy. I was excited to hear this album because their past EP, Spring to Spring, was very enjoyable and very beautiful. And Then There Was Us definitely lives up to the beauty these guys deliver.
Hoppípolla opens the album with a short but powerful intro, Where Is, that features intense cello, synths, and vocals that get you hooked on what they have to say. Lead singer, Hyunsang, delivers a beautiful falsetto vocal as well. Even though this song is soft (their sound is more chill) it's definitely starting this album off with a nice bang. This leads into the acoustic interior this album gives. The Love is a soft acoustic guitar tune with a beautiful cello melody and harmonies that move the soul.
Your Ocean is the title track from this record and it's got it all. It's got those melancholic vocals from both vocalists, Hyunsang and I'll. It starts off with this beautiful piano ballad intro and builds into this beautiful track with beautiful soundscapes. A guitar and cello solo brought to you by members Youngso and Jinho respectively, adds another beautiful touch to this song. It's a beautiful, soft song that gives a great intro into the band.
The album continues with Unnatural that has a very similar feeling to Your Ocean so it feels fitting for these songs to be back to back. Mom features a peaceful guitar and vocals that feel soothing. Wander closes out the record officially with an instrumental that spans over 5 minutes long. It's got a nice acoustic rhythm that builds with all the members joining in with the cello and piano and electric guitar. It's definitely one of my favorite songs off this record because of how peaceful it is. The album also features the hidden track, And Then There Was Us, which has the same feel as Where Is. It's got these synths and soft vocals that really close the story beautifully.
All in all, Hoppípolla really delivered a beautiful piece of art here. It's an album full of melancholic melodies and beautiful soundscapes that just hit you in the right place. And There Was Us plays to their influences but it still remains original. This may only be their second album but they already have a great sound to their name. I hope to see them grow more successful.
Check out the music video for Your Ocean below and check out And Then There Was Us on your preferred streaming service.
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