Cardinals announce debut album with title track ‘Masquerade’
The Cork band’s first album will be released on February 13th via So Young Records.
Photo: Steve Gullick
Fresh from support slots with Wunderhorse and The Pogues, Cardinals have confirmed details of their much-anticipated debut album, Masquerade, which is set for release on February 13th via So Young Records.
Building on their reputation as one of Ireland’s most compelling new indie-rock voices, Masquerade promises to be a dynamic and accomplished debut that draws on an eclectic mix of influences – from the unvarnished truth of folk to the dark, theatricality of goth-rock.
Recorded with producer Shrink at RAK Studios in London over the summer, the ten-track album has been crafted with a clear sense of contrast. In a nod to the band’s shared love of vinyl, it embraces a deliberate split: a vivid A-side set against a more brooding B-side.
As frontman Euan Manning explained: “Something the record looks at is peeling back the ‘masquerade’ or the facade we all put up. The curtain is pulled and cynicism takes its place — it’s really easy to be cynical and far harder to be hopeful and genuine. We’ve learnt this through playing and touring, but you can’t be a total cynic if you’re making music or films or whatever it is, making art forces you to dig deeper than that protective layer. Stripping it back is painful; you can find things you’re really not proud of, but it also lends itself to a sort of acceptance that can’t be attained if you don’t allow yourself that vulnerability. A lot of the themes and ideas in the album come from that place.”
Alongside the announcement, Cardinals have also shared the album’s title track. Masquerade is the record’s most expansive exploration of its themes, balancing moments of quiet intimacy with an unflinching sense of vulnerability.
Masquerade will be released on all physical formats, including a Rough Trade exclusive Galaxy vinyl, Retail and Artist store variants as well as CD and cassette (exclusively via the band’s store). Those in Australia will also be able to order an exclusive edition via Impressed.
Pre-order Cardinals’ debut album, Masquerade, here.