BY DREW DRAIN One of my favorite things about seeing shows at Motorco is there is generally not a barricade between the audience and the ...
BY DREW DRAIN
One of my favorite things about seeing shows at Motorco is there is generally not a barricade between the audience and the stage. It's great for fans to be so close to the bands. It allows for a much more intimate experience, and it feels like you're seeing a performance in a friend's living room. The only redeeming feature of a barricade is it creates an area for photographers to work out of the way of the rest of the attendees. Rather than trying to shoot from the front row and causing those around me to throw elbows in my general direction, I decided dropping back to take advantage of the tiered bleachers along the wall would be the best solution. I found a slightly elevated location without blocking anyone's sightlines to capture some images and enjoy the show.
Daffo’s set was a strong start to a night of indie energy and DIY spirit. Daffo immediately made their mark with a sound that blended sharp, jangly guitars, punchy drums, and a magnetic stage presence. The style leaned into lo-fi indie-punk, with catchy melodies that hit hard but had a laid-back, effortless charm. The sound was a delightful mix of catchy melodies and witty lyrics, drawing everyone in. Daffo's stage presence was infectious; their charisma made it impossible not to smile.
They engaged with the audience effortlessly, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere that felt like a party among friends. The lack of barricade amplified the personal connection between the band members and audience; it provided an opportunity for one of the highlights of the night. Someone in the crowd handed two hats onto the stage early in Daffo's set. One of them appeared to be what you'd expect an elf to wear while building toys in Santa's workshop, and the other was shaped just like a Thanksgiving turkey. Gabi put the elf cap on their head, and Wyatt donned the turkey for a song. If their performance was any indication, they’re an act to watch in the future—especially if you want to catch some holiday spirit!
When Illuminati Hotties took the stage, they kept the momentum going but with their own brand of genre-blurring, “tenderpunk” chaos. The band, led by Sarah Tudzin, delivered an electric, high-energy performance that had the crowd hooked from the first note. Illuminati Hotties have mastered the art of combining quirky, playful lyrics with sharp, infectious hooks and bursts of punk rock attitude. Tudzin’s stage presence was commanding yet approachable, seamlessly moving between upbeat, shout-along anthems and quieter, more introspective moments.
The setlist featured fan favorites like “Pool Hopping” and "content/bedtime," which ignited the crowd to shout along with the chorus - oh no pouring a bowl of illuminat hott-o's - the energy in the room was infectious, and it was clear that both the band and the audience were feeding off each other. Illuminati Hotties have a knack for creating a fun, inclusive atmosphere, making everyone feel like part of the experience. The combination of Sarah Tudzin’s magnetic presence, the band’s tight musicianship, and the intimate setting created a concert experience that was both electrifying and deeply personal.
Together, Daffo and Illuminati Hotties made the night at Motorco a dynamic and memorable one. Daffo’s raw indie-punk vibes paired perfectly with Illuminati Hotties’ playful yet fierce performance, making it a show that highlighted both the grit and joy of the indie music scene.
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- DREW DRAIN
Andrew (Drew) Drain is originally from Point Pleasant, WV, and he now resides in Chapel Hill, NC with his daughter. Drew works as a financial risk management professional to pay the bills, but his real passion is photography. He started taking photos of his daughter playing soccer as a way to resist the urge to coach her from the sidelines. Time behind the camera developed into a love for photography that he has paired with his love for sports and live music. Follow Drew’s Instagram, @Drew.Drain.Photo or his MaxPreps galleries, to check out more of his work or contact him if you need photos of your favorite athlete or performer.
Read Drew's posts here.
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