Cork Band Cardinals Announce Debut Album 'Masquerade' on So Young Records

Cork's rising indie band Cardinals have unveiled plans for their debut album 'Masquerade', set to release February 13th on So Young Records. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the five-piece outfit, whose sound merges traditional Irish folk elements with shoegaze and alternative rock, following in the footsteps of other influential Celtic musicians who have shaped the industry.

A Distinctly Irish Musical Journey

The ten-track album, recorded at London's prestigious RAK Studios with producer Shrink, represents a bold statement from one of Ireland's most promising acts. Like many contemporary Irish artists making waves internationally, Cardinals bring their distinctive Cork heritage to the forefront of their music.

Family Ties and Musical Evolution

The band's unique composition - brothers Euan and Finn Manning, their cousin Darragh, and schoolmates Oskar Gudinovic and Aaron Hurley - mirrors the strong community bonds of Cork's thriving cultural scene. Their journey has already seen them supporting legendary acts like Fontaines D.C. and The Pogues, establishing themselves as torchbearers of Ireland's evolving musical landscape.

"Something the record looks at is peeling back the 'masquerade' or the facade we all put up," explains frontman Euan Manning. "The curtain is pulled and cynicism takes its place - it's really easy to be cynical and far harder to be hopeful and genuine."

Album Themes and Structure

The album presents a carefully crafted narrative structure, with its first half showcasing brighter, more vulnerable moments before transitioning into darker territories. Notable tracks include:

'Anhedonia'
'The Burning of Cork'
'Barbed Wire'

Release Details and Availability

The album will be available in multiple formats, including:

Rough Trade exclusive Galaxy vinyl
Standard retail vinyl
CD format
Limited edition cassette (band store exclusive)