Hot Mulligan - 'Island In The Sun' (Ft. Corey Castro)
Michigan’s number 1 hot new band continues to fire on all cylinders.
Hot Mulligan, a band I hold very dear to my heart, has released the second single ‘Island in the Sun’ from their highly anticipated fourth studio album (released via Wax Bodega) titled ‘The Sound A Body Makes When It’s Still’, featuring a stellar contribution from Corey Castro of Free Throw. This new track is an emotional powerhouse, employing the same formula that has propelled them to success. The song features the signature high-tempo, upbeat, two-stepping rhythm crafted by the prodigal guitar duo of Ryan Malisci and Chris Freeman, creating a driving energy that elevates every section to an all-new level. If there is one thing this band is renowned for, it’s sonically tight performances, consistently demonstrated in every new release. The track, much like the other single ‘And A Big Load’, generates air of energy that will keep clubs and arenas bouncing, but upon closer inspection, Tades Sansville reveals all and shares his deepest, most imperfect, and emotionally soul-crushing lyrics, allowing the world to experience his full range.
Hot Mulligan has enlisted a fellow colleague for this track, someone who has previously worked with the band on the free throw track, ‘A Part is Better Than Zero’, Free Throws’ very own Corey Castro. The vocal trio of Corey, Tades, and Chris creates a perfect blend of chaos and harmony. They have toured together and become good pals over the years, and this chemistry translates perfectly. Listening closely and analysing the melodies gives the impression that Corey is a genuine sixth member of the band. This track speaks to who the band is and what they want out of their music. They use their platform as a source of healing; whether through the drums, bass, guitars, or vocals, every single note is filled with raw and powerful emotion.
Having personally sat down innumerable times with the bands vinyls and record books, combing through every word and every note to pick up something new and feel what Tades is conveying, I feel I have gotten to know the struggles of the band and have been given an honesty and brutal insight to who these suburban Michigan boys are and just how much they have to show the world.
This is without a doubt my most anticipated album of the year and I have no doubts that its going to be perfect, Hot mulligan go on tour over Europe and the UK with scene legends Pierce the veil with a stellar cast of supporting bands and also go on their own US release tour for ‘The Sound A Body Makes When Its Still’ in November. This band is one to keep an eye on for every alternative music fan out there, as they have an encapsulating energy that is impossible to remove yourself from. Having followed this band for years, I feel a sense of pride in the way they are coming on leaps and bounds, supporting bigger and bigger bands and growing their audience beyond the stars.
Words by Josh Pook
