Review & Photos taken by DC (@theshowwithdc IG/FB) at the Old National Centre in Indianapolis on November 28, 2025
REVIEW:
Black Friday rolled into the night in Indianapolis, and Set It Off reminded a packed Egyptian Room exactly why Indianapolis has earned its reputation as one of rock's most passionate music cities. The Los Angeles-based trio—vocalist Cody Carson, guitarist/bassist Zach DeWall, and drummer Maxx Danziger—delivered a high-energy performance that had the all-ages crowd screaming, jumping, and moshing their way through a setlist packed with fan favorites from their self-titled latest album and beyond.
From the moment Carson bounded onto the stage, it was clear this wouldn't be your typical Friday night show. The band's genre-blending approach—mixing pop-punk energy with electronic elements and rock instrumentation—created an infectious atmosphere that had the general admission floor moving as one organism. Songs like "Skeleton," the lead single from their current album, showcased exactly what makes Set It Off special: catchy-as-hell choruses, guitar riffs that stick in your head for days, and an overall feel-good vibe that somehow coexists with their moodier, darker lyrical themes.
The night kicked off with strong support from Autumn Kings, Vana, and Fame on Fire, each band bringing their own flavor and warming up a crowd that was clearly ready to party after the Thanksgiving holiday. By the time Set It Off took the stage around 9:30 PM, The Old National Centre was packed wall-to-wall with fans sporting band merch, many of whom had been following the Florida-born group since their 2012 debut album Cinematics.
What stood out most was the genuine connection between the band and the audience. Carson, ever the charismatic frontman, repeatedly praised Indy's energy, calling it one of the grittiest and most electric crowds they play for. The sentiment wasn't just lip service—you could see it in the way the band fed off the room's energy, pushing themselves harder with each song. DeWall's guitar work was razor-sharp, cutting through the mix with precision, while Danziger's drumming provided the relentless backbone that kept the energy at a fever pitch.
The setlist balanced newer material with deep cuts that had longtime fans losing their minds. The band's decision to go independent in 2023 has clearly paid off—there's a freedom and rawness to their current sound that feels unfiltered and authentic. Each song felt personal yet anthemic, vulnerable yet empowering.
Vana joined the band on stage for a song the audience just ate up. Carson even mentioned "she kills it every night".
As the night wound down and the final notes rang out, it was clear why Set It Off keeps coming back to Indianapolis. The feeling is mutual. In a year winding down and a holiday season ramping up, this post-Thanksgiving show was the perfect reminder of what live music does best: brings people together, lets them scream out their feelings, and sends them home exhausted, hoarse, and happy.
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