Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Cork, the indie band Cardinals is set to release their debut album, 'Masquerade,' on February 13. The record marks a significant evolution from their earlier work, embracing a more complex and emotionally nuanced sound that positions them as one of the most compelling new storytellers in Irish music.
Comprised of family members and childhood friends, the band has cultivated a unique identity, deliberately distancing themselves from prevailing trends while exploring themes of vulnerability, cultural identity, and the anxieties of modern life through their widescreen indie-rock.
Key Takeaways
- The Cork-based band Cardinals will release their debut album, 'Masquerade,' on February 13 via So Young Records.
- The band features frontman Euan Manning, his brother Finn on accordion, cousin Darragh on drums, and school friends Oskar Gudinovic and Aaron Hurley.
- Their sound has evolved from indie-pop to a more complex, story-driven indie-rock, focusing on emotional honesty and vulnerability.
- Cardinals aim to create their own distinct identity within the booming Irish music scene, avoiding easy categorization.
From Local Stages to a Defining Debut
Cardinals first captured attention with their self-titled EP in 2024, which showcased a promising blend of pop-noise and energetic songwriting. However, their forthcoming album, 'Masquerade,' represents a profound creative leap. The band has moved towards a sound that is more wounded, romantic, and expansive, built on intricate storytelling and stark imagery.
This artistic growth occurred amidst a rapid rise in the band's profile. After building a following in local clubs, they quickly found themselves on larger stages, opening for established acts like Kings of Leon and Fontaines D.C. This intense period of touring and performing shaped the urgency and depth of their new material.
The Band's Foundation
The core of Cardinals is built on long-standing relationships. Frontman Euan Manning is joined by his brother Finn on accordion and his cousin Darragh on drums. The lineup is completed by guitarist Oskar Gudinovic and bassist Aaron Hurley, both friends from their school days in Kinsale. This tight-knit dynamic has provided a crucial support system as the young musicians navigate the pressures of the industry.
The Power of Vulnerability in Songwriting
Frontman Euan Manning has identified a central theme that guided the creation of 'Masquerade.' He believes that emotional honesty is the most critical element in making meaningful art. This philosophy is evident throughout the album's nuanced and adventurous tracks.
"The realisation I came across was that vulnerability might be the only valuable thing when it comes to creating art," Manning explained. "If you can keep that honesty throughout your music, that’s what’s going to make it good."
This approach is influenced by a diverse range of artists, from musicians like Lou Reed and Elliott Smith to Irish authors such as Frank O’Connor and Kevin Barry. Manning's lyrics often blend specific, granular details with thematic ambiguity, allowing listeners to find their own meaning within the songs.
Storytellers, Not Confessors
Manning is clear about his role as a writer. He resists the notion that his songs are simple diary entries about his personal life, instead viewing them as crafted narratives that draw from personal experience but are not literally about him.
"I don’t write hit pieces. I write stories," he stated, pushing back against the tendency to dissect a songwriter's personal life through their lyrics. This perspective allows the music to explore a wider spectrum of human emotion and experience without being confined to autobiography.
A Sense of Urgency
The pressure to create their debut album fueled much of the record's anxious energy. According to Manning, there was an "overarching feeling was we need to do this." This sense of necessity, he believes, is audible in the music, contributing to its underlying tension and emotional power.
Navigating Ireland's Musical Landscape
Cardinals are emerging at a time when Irish rock music is experiencing a global surge, with bands like Fontaines D.C., The Murder Capital, and Sprints gaining international acclaim. While this has brought welcome attention to the scene, Manning expresses a desire for Cardinals to maintain their independence.
"Aside from the fact that we’re Irish, I don’t see we have much in common musically with a lot of our contemporaries," he noted. "We’ve always been pretty insular as a band. We want to do our own thing."
This insular approach extends to their musical choices. The band subverts traditional elements of Irish culture to resist commercial simplification. For example, Finn Manning's accordion, a staple of traditional Irish music, is often used to create a "needling, taunting" sound, a world away from sanitized cultural representations.
- Distinct Sound: The band intentionally cultivates a sound that sets them apart from their Irish peers.
- Cultural Commentary: Their music often presents a more complex and conflicted vision of Ireland.
- Political Awareness: Tracks like 'The Burning of Cork' connect historical Irish events with contemporary global conflicts, such as the situation in Gaza.
An Album for the Listener
As 'Masquerade' prepares for its release, Cardinals are ready to share their deeply personal yet universally resonant stories with the world. The songs, born from the streets of Cork and the experiences of five young men growing up together, are filled with reflections on place, identity, and change.
Manning acknowledges that once the album is released, its meaning will belong to its audience. It is a sentiment that reflects the band's commitment to creating art that connects on a fundamental level, offering a soundtrack for moments of uncertainty and discovery.
"As soon as the record is out, it’s no longer mine," Manning concluded. "People say that all the time, but I think it’s true."
With their debut, Cardinals have crafted a powerful statement of intent. 'Masquerade' is not just an album; it is a collection of stories that captures the feeling of being young in a world of constant change, presented with a raw honesty that is both rare and vital.