LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: Hot Mulligan @ The Garage, London
On Thursday I made the journey from Norwich to Highbury in London for Michigan based band Hot Mulligan, supported by Canadian band Arm’s Length. Despite attending many small gigs in London in my teenage years, this was the first time I had been to The Garage. This small venue is located just across the road from Highbury & Islington station so it’s very accessible.
With a capacity of 600, the venue was packed full and buzzing. Everyone seemed in high spirits to see the band who last graced UK stages in June last year, when they played Slam Dunk Festival.
First up was Ontario based band, Arms Length, who’s genre has been described as alternative, emo and Midwest emo. Front man Allen Steinberg told the crowd that this was their first time in the UK, or in fact overseas as a band. This however didn’t affect the amazing warm welcome they received from the crowd. It was obvious the band themselves were shocked at how well known they were by the brits who were singing along to each song. “This is the best crowd we have ever had already!” Allen said only 3 songs in. A set full of finger pointing, crowd surfing and moshing. A perfect support act on this night of emo music.
There was just enough time to queue for a pint before the main event. The 4 piece group approached the stage with high energy, opening with their 2022 song ‘Drink Milk and Run’. Lead singer Tades Sanville had a great presence on stage, due to both his vocals and his epic long hair. With lyrics about love, heartbreak and not going to college, it’s clear the crowd connected with the words they yelled at the top of their lungs.
As well as old bangers, the band performed their brand new single ‘Gans Media Retro Games’ from their upcoming album ‘Why Would I Watch’ which we can expect to be released very soon on 12th May.
As the night continued, strangers sang, danced and moshed together in the crowd and the good vibes were contagious. The song I had been waiting for, ‘BCKYRD’ was played towards the end of the set. This song is off possibly their most popular album ‘You’ll Be Fine’ released just before the start of covid in March 2020. It was impossible not to shout along to the catchy lyrics and dance to the melodic guitar solos.
As the night came to an end, the band left the stage and came back for the encore, where they performed ‘How do you know it’s not armadillo shells?’ from their 2018 album ‘Pilot’. This was the perfect belter to end the night on.
Only moments after finishing the tour, Hot mulligan have announced another UK tour this September! The band will be touring with LA rock band Spanish Love Songs and will be coming to Leeds, Manchester, Glasgow, Nottingham, Bristol, London and Birmingham. After their performance at The Garage on Thursday, I’ll definitely be grabbing tickets for the next one.
