Hot Mulligan Ignites Feverish Frenzy at Sold-Out Fonda Theatre

As the lights dimmed at the iconic Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles, the air was electric with anticipation. The sold-out crowd, a sea of black-clad fans with their faces aglow with phone screens, was on the cusp of experiencing something truly special. Hot Mulligan, a band that has been quietly building a devoted following over the past decade, was about to take the stage and prove that they're not just a nostalgic throwback, but a vital force in the emo scene. For fans of the genre, 2025 has been a banner year. My Chemical Romance headlined a stadium tour, Rilo Kiley reunited, and The Academy Is announced a 20th-anniversary tour. But despite the nostalgia-fueled excitement, the emo scene has been relatively quiet on the new music front. That's where Hot Mulligan comes in – a band that's been steadily releasing music and building a reputation as one of the most exciting young acts in the genre. Formed in 2013, Hot Mulligan has been honing their sound, which blends the classic emo of the early 2000s with a modern, post-hardcore edge. Their music is a perfect blend of catchy hooks, soaring guitar riffs, and heartfelt lyrics that speak to the anxieties and insecurities of young adulthood. And it's this authenticity that has resonated with fans, who have been eagerly awaiting the band's live shows. As the band took the stage, it was clear that they were on a mission to deliver a show for the ages. Lead vocalist Tino Fuentes, resplendent in a black leather jacket and sporting a mop of messy hair, bounded onto the stage, his energy infectious. The rest of the band – guitarist Joe Taylor, bassist Josh Martin, and drummer Matt Campbell – launched into the opening chords of their hit single, "Postcard from California," and the crowd erupted into cheers. The setlist was a masterclass in pacing, with the band expertly balancing fan favorites like "Palm Reader" and "The Emperor's New Clothes" with newer material like "Garden State." Fuentes' vocals soared on the latter, his voice cracking with emotion as he belted out the lyrics. Meanwhile, the rest of the band was in top form, with Taylor's guitar work and Martin's basslines providing a propulsive rhythm section that drove the show forward. But what truly set Hot Mulligan apart was their commitment to creating a sense of community with their audience. Throughout the show, Fuentes and the band members interacted with the crowd, sharing stories and anecdotes that made the performance feel like a intimate, exclusive experience. It was clear that they were not just playing for the fans, but with them – and that sense of camaraderie was palpable throughout the venue. "I think what sets Hot Mulligan apart is their ability to tap into the emotional vulnerability of their fans," says music journalist and emo expert, Sarah Kitterman. "Their music is not just about catchy hooks and guitar riffs – it's about speaking to the deeper anxieties and insecurities that we all experience. And that's something that resonates deeply with fans." As the night drew to a close, Hot Mulligan delivered a blistering performance of their hit single, "Garden State," complete with a sing-along chorus and a crowd-surfing Fuentes. It was the perfect ending to a show that had been building in intensity throughout the night. As the crowd filed out of the venue, exhausted but exhilarated, it was clear that Hot Mulligan had cemented their status as one of the most exciting young acts in the emo scene. And as the nostalgia-fueled excitement of 2025 continues to build, it's clear that Hot Mulligan is poised to be at the forefront of the emo revival. With their commitment to creating a sense of community with their audience, their dedication to crafting music that speaks to the anxieties and insecurities of young adulthood, and their infectious energy and charisma on stage, they're a band that's not just nostalgic – but vital.