The Fillmore in Charlotte, NC — November 7, 2024

There’s a reason why The Fillmore in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a standout venue across the Carolinas—it holds an atmosphere unlike no other, and on this night, that energy was boundless. The moment COIN began to take the stage, the crowd erupted. It was an instant wave of tears of joy and screams of love. From start to finish, the crowd didn’t miss a beat, pouring every ounce of energy into singing and dancing along with the band.

COIN kicked off with the intro from their latest record, I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore, setting the tone with depth and anticipation. Standout performances of the night included “Take It Or Leave It,” “Valentine,” “Slack,” “Let It All Out,” and “Leaving a Light On.” Each song carried a kind of energy that swept everyone up and kept the show’s momentum strong. But it was “Youuu” from Dreamland that really ignited the night. The surge of excitement was indescribable; I’ve never heard fans sing with such intensity. It was insane to witness and completely infectious.

The band’s stage setup was one of the most intricate and beautifully crafted I’ve seen this year. Every detail seemed meticulously thought out, creating an atmosphere that was as visually captivating as it was musically. The lighting design, often an undervalued element in live music, was anything but overlooked here. It added layers to the band’s personality, blending colors and sequences that seemed to come alive with the music itself. The result was almost theater-like, a true artistic experience that elevated the night.

As the night reached its peak, “You Are the Traffic” from Rainbow Mixtape brought myself and the crowd to a moment of pure, collective stasis of love. The song, with its haunting yet uplifting energy, always resonates on record, but hearing it live, with the entire venue singing along, took it to another level. There’s a rawness to the performance’s that these guys give—something about the way COIN delivers their music to you in person that gives you chills every time.

Words & Photography: Isaiah Pate