Staff Editor on March 31st, 2019

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After a tour that crossed the United States from North Carolina to Texas to Washington, Illuminati Hotties had a triumphant Los Angeles homecoming with a sold-out show at the Moroccan Lounge. The band, naturally, was thrilled. “It’s very tight to play a sold-out show in Los Angeles,” Sarah Tudzin said.

Prior to the band going on stage, DJ Bad Snacks put on Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone.” If one took a peek behind the curtains that separate the stage from the green room, one would have noticed a band member shadow-boxing in preparation for their tour-ending set. Then a voice came over the speakers to introduce the band, explaining the Illuminati (not the band) and its connections to the shadowy organizations called the CFR and British Institute of International Affairs.

The set started with Tudzin singing at whisper level, which was meant to explode into their first song, but when the guitarist went for the massive kick on his pedals, he whiffed. Everyone had a good laugh, and off they went through their setlist. Illuminati Hotties’ self-described “tender punk” swung in various genre directions throughout the set, which focused heavily on the band’s 2018 album “Kiss Yr Frenemies.” It went from jams where Tudwin couldn’t help but bounce around her microphone to moments where she sang soft lullabies. If the night were more intimate, you’d expect to see people sitting on floor blankets. The set had other light moments: There was the interlude music that popped up over the speakers while Tudwin switched guitars, and let’s not forget about those dog howls.

The night also included SLUGS and Rosie Tucker, which added to the appeal of the night for local music fans.

Tucker, who just released her solo album “Never Not Never Not Never Not,” kicked off the night. She has vocals that recall the likes of Suzanne Vega and Tracy Chapman. Some of the most memorable moments from the set, however, were the fun shared memories from their just completed tour. Tucker mentioned, “I had Soylent for the first time. I don’t respect myself anymore.” Bass player Wolfy interjected, “I’ve had Soylent before. Sometimes you just don’t have time for a healthy meal. But I have to say that this one tasted like ash from a campfire.”

Up next was SLUGS, who released their “Cool World” EP last August. Besides the quality of the songs, singer-songwriter Marissa Longstreet added her own subtle touch of humor, saying with a smile “We do this for the compliments.”

Setlist: (You’re Better) Than Ever, Shape of My Hands, Patience, For Cheez, (New Song?), The Rules, Cuff, Boi, I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Whitney Houston cover, with Marissa Longstreet of SLUGS and Rosie Tucker), Paying Off the Happiness, Obvious Child (Paul Simon cover), Keep Yr Dog, Pressed 2 Death.

Photos and recap by Notes From Vivace