Hot Mulligan Ignites Berlin: A Look at the Modern Emo Scene
The Columbia Theater in Berlin played host to a night of intense emotion and energetic performance on February 28, 2026, as Hot Mulligan, hailed as a leading force in modern emo, captivated a sold-out crowd. The band’s performance wasn’t just a concert; it felt like a collective release for a generation, momentarily eclipsing the outside world.
Opening Acts and Collaborative Spirit
The evening kicked off with sets from Oldenburg’s Catapults and the British math-rock band Delta Sleep. A spirit of collaboration was evident, with Hot Mulligan frontman Nathan Sanville making a guest appearance during Delta Sleep’s set, and Delta Sleep’s Devin Yüceil later joining Hot Mulligan on stage.
24 Songs and a Modern Album Celebration
Hot Mulligan, self-proclaimed as the “#1 Hot New Band,” celebrated the release of their latest album, “The Sound a Body Makes When It’s Still,” performing a 24-song setlist spanning nearly 90 minutes. The band showcased almost half of the new album during their performance, demonstrating a commitment to their evolving sound.
For over a decade, the American band has been making waves with their dynamic melodies and delicate vocals, filling venues and resonating with audiences. Their unique song titles, such as “Monica Lewinskibidi” and “How Do You Know It’s Not Armadillo Shells?” have become a signature element of their identity.
The Evolving Landscape of Emo
Hot Mulligan’s success reflects a broader resurgence of emo and related genres like Midwest emo and post-emo. What began with house shows and unconventional songwriting – reportedly naming songs by typing into autocorrect – has blossomed into sold-out tours and critical acclaim. The band’s journey highlights the power of authenticity and staying true to one’s artistic vision.
The band has been lauded in publications like Paste and Alternative Press, and has amassed over 140 million streams on Spotify, alongside touring with established acts like The Wonder Years and Jimmy Eat World.
Tour Continues with Limited Dates
Fans still hoping to catch Hot Mulligan on their “The Sound A Body Makes When It’s Still” world tour have limited opportunities. Upcoming dates include a March 3, 2026, performance in Hamburg and a sold-out demonstrate in Cologne on March 4, 2026.
Christoph Siebold
Christoph Siebold is a guest photographer and writer from Berlin. He covers live events for Paranoyd Magazin with camera and reports.
FAQ
- What genre is Hot Mulligan? They are considered a leading band in modern emo and post-emo.
- Where did Hot Mulligan form? The band formed in Michigan in 2014.
- What is Hot Mulligan’s latest album? Their latest album is titled “The Sound a Body Makes When It’s Still.”
- Are Hot Mulligan tickets still available? Tickets are sold out for the Cologne show on March 4, 2026, but are still available for the Hamburg show on March 3, 2026.
