“I used to relax but it doesn’t feel good anymore.”
Two years have passed since Hot Mulligan released their breakthrough hit, Why Would I Watch, and in that time, a lot has changed. Breaking out of the underground scene and bursting into the wider pop-punk space, the band quickly made a name for themselves as one of the genre’s biggest “new” talents. After years of praise in niche circles, it finally felt like Hot Mulligan were being given their flowers, and that their hard work had paid off. Following up that album with the short and sweet Warmer Weather EP in 2024, the band showed no signs of slowing down. Now, with the release of their fourth full-length record, The Sound a Body Makes When It’s Still, they look to prove themselves once again.
Having spent much of the time between releases on tour, you’d be forgiven for wondering when the band even had the chance to write and record. I found myself wondering the same going into this album. Thankfully, a globe-spanning schedule packed with shows wasn’t enough to slow them down. The Sound a Body Makes When It’s Still quickly establishes itself as a worthy follow-up. “Moving to Bed Bug Island” opens the album on a false start of sorts, a slow, somber track that stands in stark contrast to “And a Big Load,” the debut single and, for many, the album’s true beginning. That initial clash of tones makes much more sense as the album unfolds, with the band demonstrating a newfound maturity and an ability to move seamlessly between fast-paced, high-energy bangers and slower, stripped-back, melancholic songs.
Hot Mulligan’s refined songwriting shows they’re far more than a flash in the pan; they’re an ever-raging fire yet to be extinguished. This growth extends to their lyrics, where co-vocalists Nathan “Tades” Sanville and Chris Freeman trade blows in a way that perfectly complements one another’s styles. Their delivery of heavy, emotionally devastating lines is something the band has always excelled at, but here it hits harder than ever thanks to the greater sonic diversity. “Bon Jonah” is a standout, weaving conversational vocal interplay into lyrics about mental health and avoidance. While not a new theme for Hot Mulligan, the accumulation of their growth across small details makes the execution more powerful than anything they’ve released before.
That’s not to say the fun is gone. Tracks like “Monster Burger and a $5 Beer” lean into the band’s signature fast, noodly emo sound, proving they haven’t exhausted it yet. With a riff that feels like a callback to “OG Blue Sky”, it’s a reminder that Hot Mulligan hasn’t lost touch with the sound that first won over their underground fanbase.
Still, the album isn’t perfect. Where Why Would I Watch reached seemingly impossible heights for the band, The Sound a Body Makes When It’s Still doesn’t quite match them, and that’s okay. What this album lacks in instantly memorable standouts, it makes up for with consistency and cohesion. Rather than feeling like a collection of singles, it plays as a unified body of work. While some tracks are catchier than others, there isn’t one “big moment”; instead, the whole album is worth sitting with, which is a rare feat in an era of singles-driven releases. So, where does this leave Hot Mulligan? Their future still looks incredibly bright. Many of these tracks will slot seamlessly into their live sets, though some fans may be disappointed by the lack of obvious peaks. But for those willing to embrace this album on its own terms, there’s nothing but love to be found. Vulnerable, heartfelt, and undeniably authentic, The Sound a Body Makes When It’s Still is Hot Mulligan doing what they do best and will likely become a quick favourite among fans.
8.5/10
The Sound a Body Makes When It’s Still releases via Wax Bodega this Friday, and is available for pre-order here.