Live Review: Hot Mulligan made it fun to feel sad at The Princess Theatre in Brisbane

Credit: Dylan Oxley

Michigan emo larrikins Hot Mulligan have just wrapped up their 11-date debut Australia and New Zealand tour with a sold-out show at The Princess Theatre in Brisbane on Saturday 9 March. Upgraded from The Brightside Outdoors, the beloved punks were supported by Nashville five-piece Free Throw and esteemed locals Bad Neighbour in an emotional farewell to their loyal fanbase Down Under.

Credit: Dylan Oxley

Opening the night was Brisbane emo quartet Bad Neighbour, who took to the stage saying “Free Throw and Hot Mulligan are good bands” before a groovy set of sad singalongs. Wholesome banter about the tour coming to an end with frontman Cooper Riley losing his voice (though you couldn’t tell when he was singing) made it particularly poignant. Driving kicks and picked melodies carried into heavy slow jam “Guns”, with a tasty guitar solo in “20,000 Knife Fights” going down well with the crowd. Announcing that they will have an album out this year, it’s definitely on my watch list with performances like this.

Credit: Dylan Oxley

Up next, Free Throw – comprised of a drummer, bassist and three guitarists – played upbeat sad songs (if you know, you know) to a packed room who mostly knew the words. Frontman Cory Castro expressed their gratitude throughout, with a Bad Neighbour shirt and a tattoo commemorating their visit to Australia. He made finger-tapping the guitar look effortless whilst singing and screaming, even bringing Cooper out for a guest spot on “Randy, I Am the Liquor”. The crowd joined in for closing hook ‘F*** everything about this’ of “Two Beers In”. While not for me, they’re clearly talented and humble, which you’ve got to respect.

Credit: Dylan Oxley

When Hot Mulligan launched into “Drink Milk and Run”, the crowd immediately chimed in with call-and-response hooks to frontman Nathan Sanville’s trademark melodic shouting. Their fast, punchy songs impressed with intricate riffs and tight delivery that only the most dedicated fans could match. Lots of F-bombs and frequent belches into the mic were an indication of the kind of college party show that we were in for. Nathan also sung the praise of Bad Neighbour and confessed that Free Throw have been his favourite band since high school to second the supports’ sentiment.

After the hereditary drinking song “It’s a Family Movie She Hates Her Dad”, the band ironically declared that punters should be hungover or effectively mute for at least three days following the show. Things slowed down briefly for “This Song is Called it’s Called What’s it Called” and a shoutout to wombats then picked up again for fan favourite “Featuring Mark Hoppus” (seriously, these are the actual titles). Members of the supports emerged and leapt from the stage to send off the band before returning for an encore. Nathan did an infamous shoey (apparently it was even on the setlist) before they closed with “How Do You Know It’s Not Armadillo Shells?”.

With a few sold-out shows and a newfound appreciation for Australian animals, Hot Mulligan’s debut tour was a big success. Voices were lost, shoes were soiled with alcohol and good times were had. While all three bands put on a great show at the final Brisbane leg, I must say that the little locals were probably my favourite. Until next time! *Equips sunglasses*

THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)

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