Music for me is the greatest escape. Regardless of what’s going on in life, the energy and atmosphere at a live show are among the few things that never fail to provide catharsis. Personally, emo/hardcore shows are the best genre for the above, too. After a couple of difficult working weeks, I was ecstatic to be back at my favourite Birmingham venue, the Institute, for a night of Emo bangers with a room of like-minded strangers for Hot Mulligan.
Along for the ride were Brighton-based Math-Rockers Delta Sleep and Emo/Shoegaze blenders Oversize.
After chilling out in the queue with some random guys, chatting about bands and other gigs we’re excited for this year, I got into the venue, grabbed my pass and headed to the front for the first of the night’s acts, Oversize. Having never heard the project before, I was blown away by the band’s sound. With Pop-punk elements reminiscent of Jimmy Eat World and a vocal delivery that brings in a shoegaze vibe, I adore it, similar to one of my favourite emo-hardcore bands, Basement. The energy of the performance matched the quality of the sound, and I couldn’t take my eyes or ears away from the stage. Fittingly, the band covered Lucky Denver Mint by Jimmy Eat World, but my personal highlight had to be Vital Signs.
Photography: Dan Stapleton @ Pulse Media Visuals
After a great opener warmed up the crowd, the energy in the room was infectious, and I felt my spirits begin to lift a bit more. Before I knew it, Delta Sleep hit the stage. Being another band I hadn’t actually heard of before the show, once again, I was excited to see what was in store. While the energy wasn’t as lively as Oversize’s, the musicianship was incredible. The performance was, at least from where I was standing, purely focused on the music being front and centre. While the band’s sound wasn’t my usual cup of tea, I adored the level of technicality in the music, and the crowd ate up every crumb of the band’s time on stage. I think anyone who enjoys Math-Rock would find it difficult not to fall in love with Delta Sleep.
Photography: Dan Stapleton @ Pulse Media Visuals
With the support acts finished, Hot Mulligan were finally up. The last few years have seen the band grow exponentially in popularity. There’s a level of raw vulnerability in the band’s sound and lyrics that just pulls you in, and the raw vocal performance on every track effortlessly draws out emotion. Another element of the band that truly makes them stand out is the ridiculousness of the song titles, showing how much the band keep their finger on the pulse of internet culture and it indisputably helped throw them into the cultural zeitgeist, with such songs (all played during the set) as Monica Lewinskibidi, Featuring Mark Hoppus, Feal Like Crab and And a Big Load.
For me, though, Hot Mulligan truly embodies the catharsis I was talking about at the start of this rambling review. The raw lyrics and vocals encapsulate an ever growing anxiety and angst within younger generations, the instrumentals are emotional, complex and combined create a truly unique experience I cherish every time I get to experience it.
A damn great night, and one that did what music should do: create an escape from the difficulties of life, let emotions flow, and one I think anyone who wasn’t there will regret missing.
Photography: Dan Stapleton @ Pulse Media Visuals
USA TOUR
4th June – Jacob’s Pavilion – Cleveland, OH
5th June – Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards – Lafayette, NY
7th June – Gov Ball – Queens, NY
9th June – Archer Music Hall – Allenstown, PA
10th June – Kanahawa Plaza – Richmond, VA
12th June – Bonnaroo – Manchester, TN
13th June – Asheville Yards – Asheville, NC
14th June – Warped Tour – Washington, DC
16th June – Stone Pony Summer Stage – Asbury Park, NJ
17th June – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
20th June – Egyptian Room at Old National Centre – Indianapolis, IN
21st June – The Andrew J Brady Music Center – Cincinnati, OH
LISTEN TO ALBUM THE SOUND A BODY MAKES WHEN IT’S STILL HERE
