Born out of the post-hardcore emo scene, Hot Mulligan is Midwest emo through and through. Hot Mulligan mixes an indie vibe with a post-hardcore pop-punk flare which definitely proves that pop-punk isn’t dead. The Michigan natives, served up Midwest emo to a hungry San Antonio crowd, on Friday, April 19. 

The “Choose Your Fightour,” is an incredible four band line-up consisting of Charmer, Just Friends, Free Throw and headliner Hot Mulligan. 

To be completely transparent, Midwest emo wasn’t exactly my “scene” before going to this show. I grew up in the peak early-mid 2000s Pop Punk emo scene. Bands like Simple Plan, 30 Seconds to Mars, All Time Low, Paramore, and My Chemical Romance lined my walls and made up a significant amount of my playlists. I was well out of the loop when Hot Mulligan came into the fold in 2014-2015. I’m still just a pop-punk kid at heart and this style of music still hits that nostalgic portion of my brain. 

I get the most joy out of a show when I witness people having the best time, moshing, crowd surfing and singing their hearts out. Often this is what makes a show for me and turns me on to music I don’t often listen to. Attendees reacted wildly to every song played. They created an energy in the venue that was palpable. I felt myself wanting to sing and jump along with them. 

With songs that blend emotionally brutal lyrics with pop-punk fills, Hot Mulligan captured my attention alongside the audience. All this to say, Hot Mulligan, you got yourself a new fan.

One of the highlights from the evening was Just Friends’ set. They turned the energy up to 11. Just Friends came to party and San Antonio was ready to be there alongside them. From singing in the crowd at the barricade to throwing Burger Boy burgers into the crowd, this was almost as high energy as the headlining set.  

Hot Mulligan Setlist – San Antonio, TX, 04/19/2024

• How Do You Know It’s Not Armadillo Shells?
• Wes Dault Can’t Find the Madison Falcon
• I Replied to Tyler With Three Blue Cars
• Shouldn’t Have a Leg Hole but I Do
• It’s a Family Movie She Hates Her Dad
• Gans Media Retro Games
• Stickers of Brian
• Drink Milk and Run
• Shhhh! Golf Is On
• Christ Alive My Toe Dammit Hurts
• And I Smoke
• OG Bule Sky
• *Equip Sunglasses*
• This Song Is Called It’s Called What’s It Called
• No Shoes in the Coffee Shop (Or Socks)
• Bckyrd
• Dirty Office Bongos
• Feal Like Crab
• Analog Fade (New Bule Sky)
• Losing Days
• Featuring Mark Hoppus
• John “The Rock” Cena, Can You Smell What the Undertaker