Cork rock band Cardinals have released their debut full-length, Masquerade, today via indie label So Young Records. Opening with sharply etched, emotionally taut songs before moving into more meditative passages, the album’s sequencing gestures toward the band’s vinyl-minded sensibilities.
Frontman Euan Manning said the album represents a major creative undertaking. “The first album is daunting,” he said. “You’re putting a lot on the line in terms of vulnerability and opening ourselves up, emotionally. The work that goes into it is an awful lot, and I think it will change whatever we decide to do next, musically or otherwise. I think it’ll have that effect on all of us.”
Cardinals consists of brothers Euan and Finn Manning, their cousin Darragh, and former schoolmates Oskar Gudinovic and Aaron Hurley. The band’s sound reflects influences from candid folk to gothic theatricality, with early tracks simmering with tension and discontent, while later songs reveal a more introspective, vulnerable side.
Earlier material from their self-titled EP has appeared in Netflix’s House of Guinness and EA Sports’ Skate series. Masquerade is available across multiple formats, including Rough Trade Galaxy vinyl, standard retail and artist store vinyl, CD, and a cassette edition sold through the band’s store. Australian fans can access a special edition via Impressed.
The band kicks off a series of in-store performances this week before embarking on a headline tour across the UK and Ireland next month. Cardinals are also scheduled to return to the U.S. in May for a performance at Salt Lake City’s Kilby Block Party.
The album is available to buy HERE, whilst concert tickets can be found HERE.
The full rundown of live dates is as follows:
12th February 2026 – Cork, Musiczone *
13th February 2026 – Dublin, Spindizzy *
14th February 2026 – Belfast, HMV *
15th February 2026 – Liverpool, Rough Trade *
16th February 2026 – Leeds, Jumbo *
17th February 2026 – Nottingham, Rough Trade *
18th February 2026 – London, Rough Trade East *
19th February – Brighton, Resident *
5th March 2026 – Belfast, Ulster Sports Club
6th March 2026 – Cork, St Luke’s
7th March 2026 – Dublin, The Workman’s Club
10th March 2026 – Bristol, The Exchange
11th March 2026 – London, The Garage
13th March 2026 – Manchester, Yes (Pink Room)
14th March 2026 – Newcastle, The Grove
15th March 2026 – Glasgow, King Tut’s
15th May – 17th May 2026 – Salt Lake City, Kilby Block Party, Utah
Featured photograph courtesy of: Steve Gullick
