Wallows headlined at Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land, Tx on August 17, 2024 with support from Benee on their Model Tour!
Wallows is an American alternative rock band originating from Los Angeles, California and was formed in 2011 under a different moniker. Their current lineup consists of lead and backing vocalist/rhythm guitarist/keyboardist/bassist/drummer Dylan Minnette, lead and backing vocalist/lead guitarist Braeden Lemasters, and drummer/percussionist/guitarist/keyboardist/pianist/backing vocalist Cole Preston. Also as many of you may know, Dylan Minnette was cast as one of the main actors for Netflix Original Series “13 Reasons Why”.
Lemasters explaining the origin behind their ‘new’ name:
“So, the name Wallows is — we were renaming the band because when we were younger, we had different band names. And there’s a video game called ‘Tony Hawk’s Underground’ that I used to play as a kid and there’s a level in the game called ‘Hawaii’. And in the level you skate Wallows, which is an actual place in Hawaii that Tony Hawk and this group Animal Chin used to skate at in the ’80s.”
They started their set with “Do Not Wait“, the last track off their breakthrough album “Nothing Happens“. This was the perfect song to set the tone to this intimate evening. The entire song was performed behind a curtain with a silhouette of Minnette as his angelic voice filled the auditorium.
Following was “Your Apartment“, a more upbeat track from their latest release “Model“. This song being the second highest streamed off the album thus far. Every song off of “Model” sounded just as good if not better performed live, as they were showcasing it for this tour.
After being asked “what is your favorite song on your new album, ‘Model’?”:
Dylan: “She’s an Actress.”
Cole: “Going Under.”
Braeden: “Only Ecstasy.”
Two songs later was one of their biggest hits “Scrawny“. This single is an unapologetic song about being proud of who you are. It’s very bouncy and vibrant. Boasting his lyrics “You don’t like my clothes but you still like my smile. Scrawny motherfucker with a cool hairstyle.“, Dylan’s personality really shined through as he took lead.
Preston said:
“Last time we were in Houston, was anybody there? The show was super rainy and wet. I think we went down two laptops that night. It was worth it. We’re so happy to be back. So thanks for coming.”
According to the band, they were supposed to play “Just Like A Movie” last time they performed in Houston at White Oak Music Hall. They were unable to due to the inclement weather.
Minnette said before playing “Just Like A Movie”:
“Last time it rained and our gear fucked up. We skipped this song and people were upset.”
The highlight of their main set was an unforgettable performance of “She’s an Actress“! Minnette graced the crowd with his presence, as he walked through the auditorium serenading all of his beloved fans while also interacting with them. This segued to the next portion of their set.
Following that song, the trio formed a small circle on the side of the stage as Minnette pulled out an acoustic guitar. This was the most intimate part of their performance as they took us back to 2018. This included “Pictures of Girls” and “1980s Horror film” off of their “Spring EP“, also their single “Drunk on Halloween“.
They returned to the main stage for five more songs, which they performed their two most popular hits “Calling After Me” and “Are You Bored Yet?“. Their set seemed to be coming to an end as we felt “Only Ecstasy” and they exited the stage.
After the crowd cheered and begged for more, Wallows blessed them by encoring with two more songs. The first song “Remember When” being my personal favorite of theirs. This was the climax of the evening by far!
Minnette commanded the audience follow along with him as loud as they could:
“Alright Houston listen up okay. We didn’t come back out here for no reason. We only have a couple moments left together and I want to make them count. So when we go back in, I want every single person in this room for these last couple of moments to give us every single thing that you’ve got right now alright. All of you!”
As they started to ramp things down, the evening was concluded with “I Don’t Want To Talk“. You could feel the pure raw emotion during the whole performance and everything just felt so genuine. I highly suggest catching one of their performances in the future!
Minnette expressing his gratitude:
“I’ve had a really great time tonight. I hope you have as well! You had a good time? (crowd cheers) It’s been really lovely. You’re a lovely crowd. Seriously thank you so much! From top to bottom, to the sides, everywhere. So listen up we’ve only got a few songs left okay. I want to make the best of every one of them. So let’s do that. Also, let’s give it up for Benee for playing with us tonight everybody. The one and only. We’re very lucky to have her. We’re Wallows everyone. Thanks for a wonderful evening. We love you very much.”
Setlist:
Main Stage
- Do Not Wait
- Your Apartment
- Anytime, Always
- Scrawny
- Don’t You Think It’s Strange
- Quarterback
- Bad Dream
- These Days
- You (Show Me Where My Days Went)
- At the End of the Day
- Just Like A Movie
- A Warning
- Uncomfortable
- She’s An Actress (Dylan Minnette performed in the crowd)
Stage B
- Pictures of Girls
- 1980s Horror Film
- Drunk on Halloween
Main Stage
- Worlds Apart
- Pleaser
- Calling After Me
- Are You Bored Yet?
- Only Ecstacy
Encore
- Remember When
- I Don’t Want to Talk
Stella Rose Bennett (better known as BENEE) is a New Zealand singer and songwriter, born January 30th, 2000 in Grey Lynn, Auckland.
BENEE’s dreamy alt-pop mixes paired with offbeat and often whimsical lyrical twists got the crowd out of their seats and moving. She concluded her 40-minute set with her global 2020 hit “Supalonely,” which has reached 4 billion streams. This set the scene for the main act.
Benee exclaimed:
“Thank you so much Houston! We love you!”
Setlist:
- Make You Sick (intro instrumental)
- Kool
- Soaked
- Beach Boy
- Glitter
- Find an Island
- Sad Boiii (unreleased)
- Wishful Thinking
- Animal (unreleased)
- Green Honda
- Supalonely
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