Last week, I caught Games We Play open up a show at Hawthorne Theatre, and it was an absolute blast! He kicked off the show for Jack Kays, but it could have been a headlining set for how excited and energetic the crowd was. The venue was packed from wall to wall by the time the lights dimmed, and the close-knit setting made the show feel even more electric.
From the moment Emmyn Calleiro, the mastermind behind Games We Play, stepped on stage, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. A super catchy blend of pop-punk and alt-rock, his tracks are filled with earworm hooks and anthemic choruses reminiscent of early 2000s staples like Blink-182 or early Fall Out Boy. Fun, yet very self-aware lyrics make it impossible not to sing along and fall right back into your teenage years. With vocals that sounded just like the studio versions and a guitarist and drummer to round out the show, songs like “Get a Job,” “Hey Ben,” and “Girl Shaped Crater” had everyone singing along.
As a multifaceted artist, Emmyn was frontman, comedian, and even played matchmaker that evening by bringing his little brother/merch guy/tour manager on stage to play bass for a cover of Weezer’s Buddy Holly and get him a girlfriend from the crowd.
If you ever get a chance to see Games We Play live, don’t hesitate. It’s not just a set but a full-on pop-punk experience that makes the whole room feel like a party.
Check out Life's Going Great by Games We Play, get tickets for the headlining "Hello Ladies" Tour this summer, and see the full gallery below!
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