In the quick dopamine short clip world of indie rock, where artists face constant pressure to stand out, not only through their music, but also through their branding, promotion, and live performance. Many acts can struggle under that weight, but Texas-based rock band late night drive home has proven they can navigate it all while keeping their adventurous spirit intact.
The band has already checked off major milestones in their six-year career, from the viral success of their single “Stress Relief” to signing with Epitaph Records to earning a coveted spot on the 2024 Coachella lineup. Following a run of EPs between 2019 and 2024, they released their debut album as i watch my life online on June 27, 2025. San Diego got its turn to hear those songs live when the group headlined Quartyard on Aug. 10, delivering a set that matched the energy of their recorded work and then some.
late night drive home delivers
The headliner’s set began with frontman Andre Portillo walking onstage to open the title track from as i watch my life online, joined one-by-one by bassist Freddy Baca, drummer Brian Dolan, and touring guitarist Tofe. The stage design mirrored the album cover with a window, doorway, and four backlights, a thoughtful touch that elevated the performance beyond a standard rock setup.
Portillo admitted between songs that he feels “kinda intimidated” speaking to the crowd, joking about how awkward it can be. But the music did most of the talking, from the raw compression on his vocals to the even punchier guitar tones compared to the record. “I love you, I love me too, I love you, San Diego,” he said at one point, grinning as the crowd cheered back.
Fans perched on friends’ shoulders, singing along to standouts like “Awkward Conversations” and “she came for a sweet time.” When “Stress Relief” hit, a sea of phones and voices rose together, cementing the moment as the night’s loudest sing-along.
By the time the final notes faded, it was clear late night drive home had pulled off the balance every modern indie rock band chases, connecting deeply with fans in person while building a show as intentional as their recordings.
late night drive home is currently on the last leg of their tour, with all remaining dates here. You can also listen to their great album as i watch my life online here.
ALEXSUCKS takes over
Los Angeles-based four-piece ALEXSUCKS wasted no time ramping up the energy as the second opener of the night. Their throttling guitars and pummeling drums had the crowd bouncing from the start. During “Gutter,” a fan in the front row told frontman Alex Alvarez he could play the song’s guitar part. Alvarez handed him his guitar, and the fan — named Jake—took the stage while the band played on, the lead singer spending much of the song shredding in the crowd.
Concertgoers of all ages were jumping along, feeding off the group’s relentless pace. Before one of their final songs, “6 Pack and Cigarettes,” Alvarez shared that it was written in San Diego after a hungover morning in the city. They closed their set with a grin and the parting words: “Stay classy, San Diego.” You can check out ALEXSUCKS’ music here.
Theo Moss opens the night
Theo Moss kicked off the evening, merging classic alt-rock nostalgia with a modern pop twist. Her music delves into themes of love, addiction, and self-discovery, offering listeners a reflection of her own growth. Before one song, she told the crowd it was about “if artist Jeff Buckley were a woman” — a concept she admitted was niche, but intriguing. She also performed a track called “Shotgun,” layering heartfelt lyricism over driving instrumentation. Originally scheduled for 5:30 p.m., doors opened just after 6, so Moss and her band began their set as people were still filing in, the late-arriving crowd gradually filling Quartyard’s open-air space. You can listen to Theo Moss’s music here
