REVIEW: Hot Mulligan's “Stickers of Brian” — An Anthem for the Perpetually Burnt Out Youth

By: Camila Molina

On March 21, pop-punk enthusiasts had reason to celebrate as two prominent rising artists in the genre, the California-based band The Story So Far and the self-proclaimed "hottest new band" on the pop-punk scene Hot Mulligan, both released new songs. Despite being busy on tour, Hot Mulligan has managed to maintain their distinctive blend of heartfelt yet exhilarating and inspiring tracks. 

“Stickers of Brian” ridicules the irony of corporate jargon and culture, sticking to Hot Mulligan’s tendencies to draw from universal struggles that many youth in the United States have been speaking out on. Tade Sanville opens the song with “Reprimanded, why shouldn't I curse in an email I sent lying when I skip work?”

Highlighting the sentiment that many people feel forced to be robotic and soulless in work environments where their well-being is overlooked, singers Tade Sanville and Chris Freeman state, “No one wants to know how bad you feel / All that matters is you pay the rent and keep the lights on.”

The relatable and moving lyrics aren’t the only thing drawing listeners to the song, as the invigorating instrumentals and vocals firmly capture the ear. The band's harmonious blend of sounds is captivating; while each instrument holds its own beauty, it's the seamless unity of the instrumentation that truly mesmerizes and excites listeners.

For a generation that worries they will never be able to buy a home, the lyrics make listeners feel like what they are hearing is relatable poetry, with lyrics like “Budgeting how long you’ll be alive” and “My family works ‘till they die / I wish I were happy to do that but I can’t fall in line.”

Hot Mulligan often uses lyrics drawn from firsthand experiences, fostering a deep connection with their audience as listeners resonate with the authenticity of their music. This song, in particular, is not only technically awe-inspiring with its exceptional sound, but it also takes audiences through a myriad of emotions, making it hard to sit still while listening to it.

Since their hit album “Why Would I Watch”, the band has continued to shock fans with powerful videos, incredible shows, and now this cosmic track. In a musical landscape saturated with past echoes, Hot Mulligan distinguishes themselves by consistently crafting innovative sounds and offering a unique perspective.