The Sound A Body Makes When It's Still

On their fourth studio set, Michigans Hot Mulligan presents the full spectrum of their capabilities, mixing humor, catharsis, and vulnerability in equal measure. The Lansing-based combo have refined their strain of post-emo since their formation, building up a loyal fan base with energetic shows and songs that emphasize their melodic strengths more than anything else. Produced by Brett Romnes, The Sound a Body Makes When Its Still bears all their signature hallmarks -- dark-witted paeans to pop culture, musical precision, catchy tunes -- while delving a bit deeper into sonic experimentation and pathos. Tucked in between the massive hooks of "And a Big Load" and "Island in the Sun" (featuring a guest spot from Free Throws Cory Castro) are ethereal interludes and melancholic acoustic tracks like "Milam Minute" and the exhaustingly titled but poignant "My Dad Told Me to Write a Nice One for Nana So This Is It." With its rich harmonies and clean/screamed choruses, opener "Moving to Bed Bug Island" has a little bit of everything. Somehow it all works, resulting in Hot Mulligans most cohesive work to date. ~ Timothy Monger