Made up their minds: Coral Moons bring confidence back to Cambridge
On a cool fall evening in Cambridge, Coral Moons turned The Sinclair into their own personal living room. The local-roots indie quartet kicked off the fall leg of their tour on September 10 with a set that felt both celebratory and grounded. It was a proper homecoming for a band that’s spent the summer on the road.
Boston’s Bus Crush opened with a breezy, low-key set that warmed up the room, but this night belonged to Coral Moons. Formed here in Boston, the band has since spread its members across state lines. Carly Kraft (vocals) and Justin Bartlett (guitar) now live in upstate New York, while drummer Kevin Ewer and bassist Miguel Cepeda remain based in the city. The geography may be split, but the chemistry onstage is as tight as ever.
The Sinclair wasn’t technically sold-out, but you wouldn’t have known it. The crowd pressed in just close enough to feel packed, with enough room left to dance, sway, and sing along to choruses. That balance mirrored Coral Moons’ music itself. It’s lush, vibey indie rock that knows how to groove without ever losing its warmth.
Their setlist leaned heavily on summer of u, the band’s 2022 album that still feels like a Boston summertime staple. Tracks like “summer of u,” “david square,” and “another woman” carried a breezy nostalgia, while the swirling “shrooms” had everyone swaying in unison.
For longtime fans, though, the excitement came from the new material. “Made Up My Mind,” the single they gleefully described to me in June as a “certified BBQ banger,” arrived with a looseness and swagger that only grows stronger live. Its follow-up, “Apartment,” released just last week, had an early showcase to great reception.
There was also the matter of reclaiming the stage itself. “The first time we played The Sinclair, I blacked out,” Carly confessed with a laugh. Not from drinking – she’s quick to clarify she doesn’t – but from sheer nerves. This time, the band was fully in the moment, commanding the stage with a comfort and confidence. This was a show you know they’ll remember.
It was a thread that carried through the night: a band that once seemed surprised to find themselves in the spotlight now wears it with ease. Their Green River Festival set earlier this summer felt like an introduction to a wider festival audience; their Summerfest stop in Milwaukee proved they could win over strangers. Back at The Sinclair, though, it was about reconnecting with their community. They cracked jokes, caught up with old friends, and the whole band radiated a “good to be home” energy.
The night closed with a two-song encore – “For You” and “Winnebago” – leaving fans buzzing but not exhausted. Coral Moons may not all live in Boston anymore, but this show proved that no matter where they’re based, their homecoming will always sound alive and full of heart.
Catch Coral Moons on the rest of their fall tour. Tickets are available here.
This show was shot for The Concert Chronicles. View the original article here.
