Asbury Park’s House of Independents was where the second leg of the “She’s The Girl Tour” began. Nashville-based singer/songwriter Braden Bales and Los Angeles’ Games We Play set off for a pop-punk night to remember.
Bales began his set with “ROI”, from his 2023 EP, Nomad. Bringing only himself and his gear, the set began with a hit on the drum pad. To share your music with the world is daunting, but to play it live for the first time for new people is even more so. Bales did so with ease, including a partially stripped version of “ME MYSELF AND YOU”, where his guitar fingerpicking and voice really shone. Pausing to speak anecdotally about the tracks, it was clear Bales had deep connections with every curated song on his set, particularly focusing on a relationship that spanned a few songs, as well as his relationship with himself – a common thread in Bales’ music in general. With over 44 million streams, Bales’ concluded his set with “CHRONICALLY CAUTIOUS”, stepping away from the kit and bringing with him only his microphone, singing to house left than right, chanting and ending his highly energetic set with a bang.
Los Angeles natives, Games We Play entered shortly after, everyone in variations of band t-shirts, flannels, and sneakers. The moments between songs felt like genuine comedy bits as lead singer, Emmyn Calleiro, poked fun at the crowd and his bandmates. Bales joined the band in for a cover of Weezer’s “Buddy Holly” as an closer to the entire show, holding up the lyrics for Emmyn to sing as neither of them really knew the words. The crowd didn’t seem to mind however as they graciously and happily filled in the blanks, making for a truly collaborative and one-of-a-kind encore.
You can find the dates to remaining dates for the “She’s The Girl” Tour with see Braden Bales and Games We Play below. Find tickets here.
November 15, 2024 – Ottawa, ON – The 27 Club
November 16, 2024 – Montreal, QC – Bar Le Reits PDB
November 19, 2024 – Hartford, CT – The Webster Theater
November 20, 2024 – Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
November 21, 2024 – Lakewood, OH – Mahall’s
November 23, 2024 – Durham, NC – Local 506
November 25, 2024 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn
Keep up with Braden Bales: TikTok // Instagram // Website // YouTube
Keep up with Games We Play: Instagram // X // Facebook // YouTube // TikTok
