Hot Mulligan at Mission Ballroom - The Sound A Body Makes When It’s Still Tour

Show Review

Some shows at Mission Ballroom in Denver Colorado feel like they wake the building up the moment doors open, and this Hot Mulligan tour stop on 11/28/2025 was one of them. The show was completely sold out (not surprising once you felt the energy in the room) and at one point the band mentioned that this was the biggest show of the entire tour. Even as someone who really enjoys the band (but wouldn’t call myself a die-hard), I could tell right away this was going to be one of those nights. The kind of night where the crowd does half the storytelling, feeding off the band’s energy. From the first support band to the last chorus of Hot Mulligan’s set, fans were surfing nonstop. If someone had been counting, I’m convinced the total would have been well into the hundreds. In fact, I had a back-to-back night at the Mission Ballroom and security told me it was in the 600’s.

Anxious opened the night with a level of gratitude that was genuinely refreshing to witness, especially through the lens. They made a point to thank everyone who showed up early and Mission Ballroom had real early birds that night. Their set felt honest and full of intention, the kind of performance where you can tell the band knows exactly how lucky they are to be on a tour this size. Despite it being barely 7 p.m., they played like the room was already packed wall-to-wall, matching the energy of a crowd that was clearly hungry for a long night.

Arms Length followed up with a set that leaned into emotion without slowing momentum. Their sound layered a bit more atmosphere and introspection into the night, giving me a few chances between shots to notice how dialed in they were. They delivered a performance that felt more internal, more reflective which was a nice shift in tone before the chaos kicked up again.

Drug Church is a band I always expect to stir things up, and they delivered exactly that. Patrick Kindlon has this way of owning the stage without ever feeling rehearsed, and Mission Ballroom responded instantly. The pits opened, the crowd surfers multiplied, and from behind the camera it felt like trying to catch lightning mid-dive. Their set injected the perfect amount of punk grit into the night. It was loud, fun, and they were fully aware of their own charisma.

By the time Hot Mulligan took the stage, the room was buzzing like it had already lived three shows in one. Even as a newer fan, it was impossible not to get swept up. Their performance was polished, emotional, truthful and unbelievably high-energy, a combination you don’t always get in the same night.

Fans screamed every lyric back at them, and at times it felt like the crowd was performing just as loudly as the band. From my perspective, the band showed a level of confidence that made their set feel more like a celebration than a recital. They didn’t need to reinvent anything; they just played with precision, honesty, and a sense of connection that clearly meant something to everyone packed into Mission Ballroom.

For me as a photographer, this show captured everything I love about documenting live music: the gratitude of openers who play like they have something to prove, the emotional dynamics that shift from band to band, and the overwhelming energy of a room that fully shows up for the headliner. Hot Mulligan offered fans exactly what they came for; a cathartic, high-energy night that was as polished as it was personal.

Anxious

Anxious is a Connecticut-based band blending melodic hardcore, emo, and indie-rock sensibilities into a sound that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Known for their heartfelt lyricism and energetic live performances, the band leans heavily on shimmering guitars, urgent rhythms, and emotionally candid vocals. Their music explores themes of growth, vulnerability, and connection, resonating deeply with fans of the current emo and post-hardcore revival. Anxious continues to gain momentum through relentless touring and a reputation for delivering sincere, high-energy sets.

Arms Length

Arms Length is a Canadian emo and alternative rock band recognized for their emotionally rich songwriting and atmospheric instrumentation. Their music bridges heartfelt vulnerability with dynamic arrangements, pulling influence from the early 2000s emo wave while carving out a distinctly modern identity. The band’s intimate vocals and cinematic crescendos create a powerful sense of emotional depth, allowing listeners to connect to their stories on a personal level. With a growing international following, Arms Length has become one of the genre’s rising acts to watch.

Drug Church

Drug Church is an Albany-based post-hardcore band known for their punchy riffs, sardonic lyricism, and charismatic live presence. Mixing hardcore energy with alt-rock hooks, the band crafts music that’s as abrasive as it is undeniably catchy. Frontman Patrick Kindlon’s conversational vocal style cuts through layers of driving guitars and sharp rhythms, creating an unfiltered, relatable form of storytelling. With a discography full of anthems that toe the line between cynicism and sincerity, Drug Church has built a cult-following across punk, hardcore, and alternative scenes.

Hot Mulligan

Hot Mulligan is a Michigan-born emo/pop-punk band celebrated for their witty songwriting, cathartic delivery, and instantly recognizable blend of math-tinged riffs and anthemic choruses. Often credited as key contributors to the modern emo resurgence, the band combines emotionally raw lyrics with driving instrumentals that strike a balance between chaos and vulnerability. Their dedicated fanbase connects deeply with the band’s honesty, humor, and high-energy performances. Hot Mulligan continues to rise as one of the most influential and widely embraced acts shaping the current emo and pop-punk landscape.