Cardinals throw everything but the kitchen sink at eclectic debut track ‘Roseland’
The Irish alt-newbies are set to stir up the scene with their first single for So Young Records.
Photo: Emilyn Cardona
Dubbed as one of Grian Chatten’s (Fontaines D.C.) ‘favourite new bands’, Irish six-piece Cardinals are set to whip up a storm with their effortless and eclectic sound, having just released their debut single Roseland for So Young Records.
Their gothic amalgam of shoegaze and folk makes for a dark heady sound quite unlike any other, while the embracement of an extra guitar (yes, there are three) brings an addition of 80s indie effervescence that strangely isn’t out of place in this already diverse sonic assortment.
But perhaps what is most interesting amongst these pop leanings and folk nods is Cardinals’ sonic salute to their country. With an accordion neatly tucked beneath their widespread wing and an undulating waltz beat, the band brings elements of Irish trad folk music to their broader brooding soundscape, allowing moments of nostalgia to fittingly seep into this song about their hometown.
And so, Roseland is best and most simply described as a perfect modern example of rose-tinted indie. With lyrics drenched in wants of bygone eras, telling tales of foolish young love, as the song builds and builds to its thrilling third act, Cardinals have not so subtly placed themselves next in the line of Irish indie artists who are changing the alternative music landscape. And we hope that they will continue to do so soon.