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Photo: Michael Herrick Imaging

Michigan post-emo band Hot Mulligan have kicked off their next chapter with a bang with the release of their exhilarating and electrifying single "Drink Milk and Run." The coinciding music video, directed by Michael Herrick, visually drives home the single's commentary on capitalism and economic injustices through a humorous lens and chaotic hijinks.

The single is an infectious, earworm-y combination of British indie sensibility and classic emo sonics and sentiment. The band blends early 2000s dance-punk into their shouty emo-pop vocals, showing off their continuing growth as a band with intricate instrumentals. "'Drink Milk and Run' is about how America doesn't care for the poor," shared lead singer Nathan "Tades" Sanville. "The wealth gap is getting bigger, it's impossible to own a home, and it seems like the rich are too busy busting unions and pretending to be astronauts to give a shit. 'Not rich enough to make a sound' sums it up pretty good."

The band explained that musically they each brought different inspirations into the mix during the creation of the single. "It felt like putting a puzzle together, and it turned out sick," said Sanville. "Personally, I wanted the song to be in the wheelhouse of Bloc Party. We haven't really explored that kind of sound, so I'm glad to see it's another option for us." Guitarist Ryan "Spice" Malicsi shared specifically, "The guitar lead slaps," which is indubitably correct.

The accompanying music video opens with clips of the hungover and passed out band members squatting in a mansion. After unceremoniously getting kicked out by the owner, chaos ensues, hooking viewers with scenes of the band destroying weddings, cakes, and furniture with their antics. After stealing some wedding presents, they discover a gift full of their most desired drink of choice...milk? The video ends with a plot twist and a cliffhanger that fans, or at least me, hope gets resolved in future music videos.

The band just wrapped up a tour in Europe with Knuckle Puck, concluding with a massive performance at Slam Dunk festival in the UK, and before that, headlined an incredible sold-out tour in the spring. This summer, the band is set to perform on all dates of the Sad Summer Festival 2022 with bands like Neck Deep, Waterparks, State Champs, and more. You can also catch Hot Mulligan at Riot Fest in September, and the upcoming Is For Lovers Festival presented by Hawthorne Heights.

Watch the "Drink Milk and Run" video below: