ALBUM REVIEW: HOT MULLIGAN - THE SOUND A BODY MAKES WHEN IT’S STILL (22/08/25)

THE SOUND A BODY MAKES WHEN IT’S STILL out now via Wax Bodega

Hot Mulligan is a recognised staple within the alternative and emo community since 2014, having brought us iconic tracks such as ‘BCKYRD’ and ‘*Equip Sunglasses*’. Comprised of lead vocalist Tades Sanville, rhythm guitarist and vocalist Chris Freeman, lead guitarist Ryan Malicsi, bassist Jonah Kramer and drummer Brandon Blakeley, Hot Mulligan are known for their unique, gritty noughties-style vocals and sometimes nonsensical song names. They are back with their highly anticipated THE SOUND A BODY MAKES WHEN IT’S STILL, with 16 tracks meticulously assembled for your enjoyment, which releases today, 22 August 2025.

‘Moving to Bed Bug Island’ opens the album with gentle acoustics and subdued vocals, which erupt into an emotional harmony tinged with melancholy. It’s follow-up, the already-released single ‘And a Big Load’, picks up the pace and brings about a sound that is reminiscent of the 2000s, transporting the listener back to the era of blink-182 and Green Day.

The other album single, ‘Island in the Sun’ featuring Cory Castro from the band Free Throw, also echoes this sentiment. The music video provides a trip down memory lane for long-time Hot Mulligan fans as it takes the listener through clips of older music videos.

‘Monica Lewinskibidi’ continues the theme of comically standout song titles and crashes in with boisterous vocals, quick snappy drums, and complex guitars. It’s followed by ‘Milam Minute’, a completely juxtaposing song which evokes bittersweetness with the simplicity of the piano and gentle acoustics. The calm doesn’t last long, as ‘Cream of Wheat of Feet Naw Cream of (Feat)’ builds up the iconic Hot Mulligan energy once again with Sanville’s screams branding it as undeniably Hot Mulligan-esque.

THE SOUND A BODY MAKES WHEN IT’S STILL seems to constantly build up and dissipate energy, akin to the ocean’s tide coming in and going out – ‘This Makes Me Yucky’ returns the listener to the serene sound of acoustic guitar with gentle spoken words, and then ‘Let Me See Your Mounts’ immediately throws you back into the electric-guitar led fray.

‘Slumdog Scungillionaire’, the longest track of the album, begins with a lullaby-like opening, and smoothly brings the instruments back in to keep the listener hooked. Finally, ‘My Dad Told Me To Write A Nice One For Nana So This Is It’ lives up to its name – a truly angelic way to finish the journey.

If you’re a Hot Mulligan fan, THE SOUND A BODY MAKES WHEN IT’S STILL will bring you home to the band’s signature style and keep you engrossed with consistent changes in tempo and atmosphere. The vocals ooze charisma and experience, as the band build upon their discography with solid tracks that don’t stray too far from Hot Mulligan’s vision.