Going to shows in the summertime is one of my favorite things to do. It is especially one of my favorite things to do when the show that I am going to is in an intimate venue. There’s something about seeing a band in a small venue where there is hardly a difference in height between the stage and floor. There is a sense of vulnerability, playfulness, and connection that you get to experience in intimate venues that can be hard to sense at the same level of intensity at bigger venues. My very first proper hot and humid show of the summer was seeing Games We Play and The Paradox on Tuesday, June 17th at Mahall’s in Lakewood, OH. I have seen Games We Play live multiple times at this point within the past few years, but this was my very first time ever seeing The Paradox, and to say that I was absolutely stoked to see them would be putting it very lightly.
Mahall’s max capacity sits at only 350 people. This was my first time seeing a show at Mahall’s since the COVID–19 pandemic and I was excited to go back to this iconic venue in Lakewood. The atmosphere at Mahall’s never disappoints. From the black and white geometric design that covers the walls and floors, to the low lighting that changes colors as you wait in–between sets, it is a very fun place to catch a small show.
The room filled up very quickly in anticipation for The Paradox. The opener came out on stage, late to start on their set because of some technical difficulties, but they were able to figure it out quickly without any issues. The Paradox were exactly what I expected them to be — extremely energetic. They delivered a lively set from start to finish while being interactive with the crowd the entire time. From encouraging the crowd to start multiple mosh pits, bantering with the crowd and each other between songs, and even having a fan sing lead vocals during one of the songs in the set, The Paradox delivered an entertaining set. Additionally, they covered Taking Back Sunday’s iconic hit “Cute Without The ‘E’ (Cut From The Team)” right before finishing their set with “Do Me Like That,” which caused the crowd to uplift in a thunderous roar and start multiple mosh pits. The chorus of “Do Me Like That” is full of witty one–liners that make it sound like an instant classic, especially the line, “You hit me with your Subaru / What the fuck is wrong with you?” Even though I drive a Subaru, it is one of my favorite tracks to scream–sing to. At the end of their set the room was HOT and HUMID, but the crowd was ready for the main act: Games We Play.
After waiting for only 30 minutes (and the room getting even hotter somehow), Games We Play started off their set with “If I’m Honest,” a track that had fans scream–singing in unison right as Emmyn Calleiro (vocals) began the first verse. Games We Play played 13 songs and the setlist covered a wide selection of songs from their discography. Even though I have seen Games We Play open for bands like Fall Out Boy and Mayday Parade, it is always a pleasure to see him play a headline show. After playing “Get a Job,” Emmyn told the crowd, “For whatever reason, our Ohio shows are always the best. This is only my third time playing in the Cleveland area. We have mostly played in Columbus, and Ohio is just by far our favorite place to play. So, thank you so much for making this the best time. Ohio feels like home to us.”
Despite the temperature getting hotter in the room, Games We Play continued to deliver a set that was energetic. When we got to the halfway point in the set, Emmyn asked the crowd to decide if they should play “Life’s Going Great” or “So Bad,” and every single person in the venue voted for “Life’s Going Great,” a very rare track to see live. Emmyn admitted that he didn’t know all of the lyrics to the track, so fans helped him remember the lyrics throughout the song by screaming the words and pulling up the lyrics for him to read. The energy in the room continued to grow as they played “All My Untalented Friends (Ooo La La),” “too young,” and “I Hope You’re Happy.” Overall, Games We Play and The Paradox put on a very energetic and entertaining show.
Check out Games We Play on TikTok and Instagram, and find his new single, “She’s The One” on your preferred music site now.
All photos appear courtesy of Bekah Eiswald for Honorable Mention Magazine
