Photos by Iris Konstant
If you haven’t heard of The Night Game yet, you’re bound to hear about this new-wave outfit by the year’s end. The Night Game is a brand-new alternative rock outfit headed by Boys Like Girls’ lead singer, Martin Johnson. Often coined as his solo project, the project is beginning to make waves with singles such as “The Outfield” and “Bad Girls Don’t Cry.” Both of which have received critical praise from outlets like Billboard Magazine; wherein 2017, Martin described the new music as “genuine” and a “feel-good” experience.
A genuinely feel-good experience arrived at Exit/In on March 28th. When The Night Game and The Band Camino stopped through Nashville, TN, on their “American Nights” spring headlining tour. Where love, life, and the undying quest for the American dream became the highlight of the night for the 500+ attendees; which came as a massive shock to all, seeing as the Facebook event only had about 39 confirmed attendees.
The Band Camino took the stage around 9:00 PM, performing songs from their latest EP release “My Thoughts on You.” Where the Jeffery Jordan sang about his trials and tribulations in love. After blazing through each song on their EP, Jordan announced to the crowd that they would be playing a new song. Which he admitted “had no title” but would be “on the upcoming album coming out soon.” After premiering the newest track, the Memphis-based alternative rock outfit continued to perform songs; such as “Who Says We’re Through” and “I Spend Too Much Time in My Room” until their set ended around a quarter to 10:00 PM; but not before thanking the crowd for the unbelievable turn-out.
After The Band Camino had left the stage, the crowd began to surge forwards as they anxiously awaited The Night Game. The Night Game’s set consisted of unreleased material, which is expected to be on an up and coming album to be released later in the year; as well as hit singles such as “Kids in Love” which opened up the set in Nashville, TN.
The Night Game managed to convey genuine emotion and energy with each track performed that night. As “Kids in Love” saw Johnson depict love and loss simply through his on-stage demeanor. While “Bad Girls Don’t Cry” saw Johnson convey genuine excitement and energy which the crowd quickly picked up on. As they too were soon singing the chorus of “Bad Girls Don’t Cry” and dancing along with Johnson; who had essentially created a feel-good atmosphere amongst the navy-blue lights.
After performing “Bad Girls Don’t Cry” The Night Game, proceeded to end the night on a high-note with their smash hit “The Outfield.” Which closed out their hour-long set to cheers of jubilation and raised glasses; as the crowd celebrated love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. And albeit even though Johnson didn’t speak about each topic directly, it was evident that the music spoke for itself, creating a genuine experience amongst attendees. Who could be found chanting for an encore, five minutes after the set had ended.
