CARDINALS TICK ALL THE RIGHT BOXES WITH DEBUT ‘MASQUERADE’

Emma Carrington Published: February 2026 | Updated: February 2026 3 minutes read

ALBUM REVIEW | CARDINALS – MASQUERADE by Emma Carrington

Within the first 24 hours of Cardinals’ debut album Masquerade crossing my desk, I had listened to it ten times over. Masquerade ticks all of the boxes for a good rock album. The themes and imagery that Cardinals have conveyed through this album are extraordinary, it’s hauntingly beautiful, bursting with passion and dripping with talent.

The group of five from Cork, Ireland, began to release music in late 2022 with their first single ‘Amsterdam’. However the band really made their breakthrough with the Self titled EP that was released in 2024. Taking off primarily through TikTok and other social media presence, audiences were so attracted to Cardinals through their unique appeal that blends haunting element with melancholy in a calm and comforting in a way.

The use of instruments in Masquerade is a stand out part of the album, with Finn Manning’s accordion being a building block in giving Masquerade its ghostly and folk inspired sound. This isn’t something I’ve ever seen before in indie rock, and it didn’t quite click for me at first that it was an accordion I was listening to. Creating an indie-rock album that’s largely leaning on acoustic instruments is definitely a feat that Cardinals have accomplished – dare I say, perfected?

When the title track of Masquerade dropped it stirred up ever more anticipation for the album. Euan Manning, vocalist, seems to be really showcasing his talents on this song. An emotional ballad brimming with passion, the song is a romantic confession that would fit just as neatly into a confession box at chapel as it does in this album. This ambience ties in with the Cardinals religious iconography that they portray through lots of their music, both within and outside of Masquerade.

Euan has a deeply sorrowful voice, reminiscent of more gothic and alternative vocalists such as Chino Moreno of Deftones. He blends this alternative and grunge-y sound with a more mature and sophisticated Irish folk style of music. When these sounds blend together it creates the unique and particular sound that cardinals can boast.

Cardinals have created one of the greatest themes that i have ever seen a band. From the bands name itself to their song titles, such as ‘St Agnes‘, it is so cohesive and beautiful. Cardinals really bring you into their world with this album.

Masquerade packs a punch that draws you in deeper the more you listen. It is a world to be immersed in and could truly be a contender for album of the year. In the future I hope that Cardinals continue to grow their identity as artists, as they are already breaking through the noise with their current portfolio. This is a truly great band to keep an eye on.

Cardinals Masquerade is out now via So Young Records and you buy or stream the album here.

See the band live next month across UK and Ireland with tickets on sale now.

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