Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties at The Sinclair
Last week, The Sinclair saw Illuminati Hotties return to the Greater Boston area alongside emerging rock talents Daffo. A captivating showcase of current indie rock, both artists packed the beloved venue with eager attendees just waiting to feel the music pulsing through their earplugs.
Gabi Gamberg (w/ puppet) of Daffo at The Sinclair
Starting us off, Daffo settled the audience with a set that was shy and quirky, while also fun and funny. Keeping the stage banter to a minimum, lead singer Gabi Gamberg made sure to thank the audience for the energy (something Boston crowds never have trouble maintaining), before referencing a rather haunted looking doll made in Gamberg’s likeness positioned on the stage. The doll gazed out into the audience, acting as both a set piece and a clever way of quietly revealing a sort of off-kilter sense of humor. Their blend of indie and punk rock sounds created an inviting vibe for the Hotties crowd, drawing from their catalog of head-boppable hooks and clever lyrics. Highlights included their recent single “Get a Life” and 2023’s “Poor Madeline.” Those around me in between bands could be heard reflecting on the success of Daffo’s set, before venturing down to the merch booth to try and snag a pic with Gamberg.
Fortunately, we didn’t have to wait long for the headlining act. With the air electric with anticipation, the Illuminati Hotties’ band took the stage to roaring cheers filling the venue before singer and frontwoman Sarah Tudzin walked on with a magnetic presence. She’s the type of bandleader that you just want to hang out with. Playing off the crowd with ease, finding time to respond to most comments hurled at her from the void of the crowd all the while maintaining a wicked smile as she commands the stage. Just an all-around cool factor that many aspiring bands could only dream of achieving.
Tudzin & Gamberg perform together at The Sinclair
Knowing exactly what these people came for, Tudzin was able to elicit cheers with just a wry smirk, understanding fully that no matter what song they played, the crowd was hungry to dance and sing along. Pausing to reflect on her own time in Boston, it very much felt like a homecoming for the crowd, even if Tudzin comes from Los Angeles. Touring their recently released album POWER, the set highlighted many standouts from their 4th studio album including “Can’t Be Still”, “Everything Changes” and “Didn’t.” Earlier releases got their fair share of attention however, as Tudzin powered through favorites like “Freequent Letdown”, “(You’re Better) Than Ever” and “MMMOOOAAAAAYAYA.”
A raucous evening of punky vibes and joyful noise, Illuminati Hotties continue to show why artists like Slowdive and Boygenius have employed Tudzin’s talents on their own releases, while Daffo proved to be capable of coming back and headlining their own night at The Sinclair. Check out our full gallery from the evening below – shot by Greg Wong!
For more information on Illuminati Hotties, follow them here, and to keep up with Daffo, click here!