Starting a new job is always a massive undertaking filled with stress, tiredness and a distinct lack of free time. Luckily for myself after an incredibly long three weeks of training, it was time for my first gig of the month as the Michigan-based emo powerhouse Hot Mulligan was headlining one of Birmingham’s best venues, The Asylum, alongside the Canadian Emo quartet Arm’s Length. As I arrived at the venue at an incredibly early 6pm, I headed through to hear music to my ears, the headline act of the night went on at a respectable 8 pm, something my slowly ageing body was incredibly grateful for. (I’m 25 okay, I’m starting to get old)
First up for the night were Arms Length, the Canadian Emo 4 piece who were hitting the Uk for the first time in their stretch as a band. You wouldn’t have been mistaken for thinking this wasn’t the case though, as the packed-out room screamed along to every track then and blasted out during their time on stage. From the mix of atmospheric, moody instrumentals and fantastic energy, I truly cannot fault a single aspect of their set. Arms Length is a band I truly cannot recommend enough for fans of Emo, and on a personal note as well, I met the band after their set and they’re some of the kindest musicians I’ve met in a long while, check them out!
After a short changeover, Hot Mulligan came to the stage to absolute ear-rupturing applause. Starting their set with Drink Milk and Run, the crowd effortlessly took the crowd under their control and played one of the tightest sets I’ve seen this year filled with love, passion and energy many bands would fail to replicate. The crowd were continuously ballistic, with pits, singalongs and the usual you’d expect at a gig. After the set, it was clear to me not just how loved Hot Mulligan is, but how much they love what they do just from the performance given alone, and mixing this with a set filled with Dan favourites created an experience you would’ve had to of been at to truly appreciate, exactly as a gig should be.
A genuinely great set from two bands I think everyone should give a chance, they may not be your thing but they could easily become a new favourite band.
Review & Photography: Dan Stapleton
Birmingham-based portraiture photographer
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