REVIEW: RUBY WATERS @ SINCLAIR 11/8

Photo Credit: Bray

Review by Sophia Blair

Ruby Waters electrified a packed house at The Sinclair in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on Friday, November 8th, 2024, wrapping up her U.S. tour with a bang. The night was alive with the buzz of eager anticipation, everyone ready for a performance filled with the soulful, raw energy that’s made Ruby a fan favorite.

The venue had a vibe of its own. Neon mushroom figurines lit the room, their eyes casting a curious glow over the crowd. But it was the towering praying mantis perched at the back of the stage that really set the tone, its presence a playful yet eerie introduction to the show.

As the theme from Trailer Park Boys floated through the speakers, the crowd went wild, knowing that Ruby Waters was about to take them on a journey. And when she finally stepped on stage, she wasted no time diving into “Rabbit Hole,” a fan favorite that had everyone swaying, singing, and instantly swept up in her presence. 

Ruby’s vocals were a force of nature. Her voice effortlessly flipped between soulful melodies and powerful, gritty belts, each lyric loaded with emotion and delivered with a raw intensity that made it impossible to look away. But what truly made the night unforgettable wasn’t just Ruby’s performance — it was the undeniable chemistry between her and her band. Together, they raised their glasses to the crowd and took a tequila shot — a Ruby Waters Ritual. 

Bassist Leo and guitarist Marcus Ramsey were in their own world, each note a conversation, each glance exchanging a promise of pure joy. They were the heartbeat of the performance, feeding off each other’s energy, often shredding together in a playful dance that made the crowd feel like they were witnessing something truly special. Ruby, Leo, and Marcus constantly turned toward drummer Stuart Mein, whose tight rhythms kept everything moving with a pulse that had the entire venue bouncing along. Their synergy, also evidenced in shotgunning a beer together, made everyone feel like they were a part of their friendship. 

Ruby’s setlist was a perfect balance of old favorites and new gems, showcasing just how versatile she is as an artist. She effortlessly transitioned from song to song, the rock and roll of “Flash Flood” melting into the soulful slowness of “Bucket.” Her power and passion in tracks like “Recipe” and the reflective “90 to 99” were awe-striking. Her band left her to sing a few solo songs on her acoustic guitar, including a beautiful rendition of “Heather.” She humbly thanked the crowd and expressed her gratitude and love. 

 The crowd was lost in the moody depths of “Blood Thinner” and then immediately swept up in the energy of the transition from the sultry “Harder” into “Sour Patch.” Every switch in tempo, every shift in mood, was like a musical rollercoaster—and Ruby and her band made sure the ride was as thrilling as possible. 

There were also moments where the room seemed to hold its breath—like during the haunting “Breath” or the intimate “Numbers,” where Ruby’s voice soared, filling every corner with a quiet intensity. Then came the surge of energy again, with tracks like “Dropping Out” and the funky groove of “Adult Swim,” all leading into a psychedelic frenzy with “Supernature.”

Ruby Waters, who first gained attention for her emotionally raw lyrics and powerful voice, has been steadily building her career with her unique blend of indie rock and alt-pop. Her 2023 album “What’s the Point?” brought her to a wider audience, solidifying her status as one of the most compelling artists in her genre. Her live performances are a testament to her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level.

For the encore, Ruby came back with three songs that felt like a love letter to her fans. She started with “Fox,” which had everyone moving together in a shared rhythm, then slowed it down with the tender “Sweet Sublime” before wrapping up the night with the explosive “Quantum Physics.” The crowd roared with applause after each one, a fitting end to a tour that had captivated audiences from coast to coast.