Cardinals – ‘Masquerade’ Review: Ireland’s Rising Stars Deliver Raw, Scorching Truths

Ireland’s Cardinals unveil ‘Masquerade’, a fiery and honest debut capturing the spirit and scars of a new generation.

Ireland’s Bold New Voice in Indie Rock

There’s something electrifying about a band that stakes its claim on greatness well ahead of time—and that’s exactly what Cardinals did. Two years before their debut album Masquerade dropped, they confidently promised a “classic.” As a long-time fan and avid listener, I can say they’ve not only lived up to the hype, but set a blazing new standard for Irish indie music.

Hailing from Cork, this five-piece has journeyed far from their humble beginnings playing small festival slots and opening for the likes of Fontaines D.C., who aren’t just peers but part of Ireland’s next-gen guitar royalty. Fun fact: Grian Chatten, Fontaines’ frontman, has named Cardinals his “favorite Irish band,” and honestly, who are we to argue?

The Road to Masquerade

Before Masquerade, Cardinals teased fans with a self-titled EP that mixed woozy shoegaze textures and jumpy indie-rock energy—kind of like the soundtrack to a restless night out or a city’s pulse after dark. Their rise was steady and promising, and with Masquerade, they’ve carved a proper place in the spotlight. The anticipation? Totally justified.

Old-School Vibes with Modern Edge

One thing that instantly grabbed me was how they embraced the classic vinyl album format, clearly dividing Masquerade into Side A and Side B—a nod to those who cherish the tactile experience of music. The opener, “She Makes Me Real,” is the perfect intro: a catchy post-punk-pop tune with a grit beneath its sweetness. Euan Manning’s vocals cut deep, confessing that “it hurts beyond belief,” setting a tone that’s both intimate and raw.

Songs like “St Agnes” bring festival-ready energy with choppy guitars and even some accordion flourishes that add an unexpected folk twist. Meanwhile, the title track Masquerade is a slow burner—a vulnerable self-examination that feels like a conversation whispered in a crowded room. Then there’s “I Like You,” where Manning’s simple but poignant lyric, “Don’t change your hair for me, if you still care for me,” strikes a chord of honest tenderness.

Side A rounds out with “Over At Last,” a song that builds into a cacophony of twitching emotion, perfectly priming you for the darker vibes lurking on Side B.

Diving into the Darkness of Side B

Side B is where things get raw and gnarly—the heart of Masquerade’s emotional core. “Anhedonia,” with Manning’s defiant declaration, “I know I’m not the only one who suffers,” shreds through the silence with fire and brimstone intensity. It’s like the soundtrack to anxiety and rage wrapped in tight guitar riffs.

“Barbed Wire” takes us on a noxious tour of life’s vices—alcohol, ecstasy, Aperol, THC—painting a vivid picture of youthful recklessness and pain. Manning’s voice channels a shadowy Robert Smith vibe, especially in “Big Empty Heart,” a gothic-tinged love song filled with doubt and longing: “As my legs are blown to bits and I always feel shit, well with you I kind of feel OK.”

The album hits some of its heaviest moments on “The Burning Of The Cork.” This track is both a historical reckoning and a lament for current tragedies, weaving together echoes of past atrocities in Ireland with the ongoing horrors in Gaza. The repeated haunting phrase “again and again and again” reminds us that history’s brutal cycles are far from over.

Finally, “As I Breathe” closes the album with a weary but hopeful sigh. It’s a quiet moment of acceptance amidst chaos, where Manning confesses, “Still my heart is pure, makes me hate it all the more, I know how weak I am.” It leaves you exhaling along with the band, holding on to the fragile thread of human resilience.

Album Details

• Record label: So Young
• Release date: February 13, 2026

A Classic or a Future Legend?

Is Masquerade a classic? Only time will tell, but Cardinals have laid down a powerful marker. This album captures the uneasy heartbeat of 2026 with brutal honesty and emotional depth. It’s a record that wears its scars proudly, telling stories from a band who seem destined for something truly special.

As a fan who’s followed their journey, I feel like I’m witnessing the early chapters of a band who don’t just make music—they bear truths that many shy away from. They’ve created a record that’s as beautifully painful as it is necessary.

FAQ

• What genre does Cardinals’ album Masquerade belong to?
  Masquerade blends post-punk-pop, indie rock, shoegaze, and hints of folk, creating a diverse and gritty soundscape.
• Who leads Cardinals as the frontman?
  Euan Manning is the charismatic lead vocalist and lyricist, known for his raw and honest storytelling.
• When was Masquerade released?
  The album was officially released on February 13, 2026.
• What themes are explored in Masquerade?
  The album explores themes of pain, anxiety, love, history, and resilience, reflecting contemporary struggles and personal introspection.
• How does Masquerade compare to Cardinals’ earlier work?
  It builds on the band’s earlier EP and singles, offering a more mature, cohesive, and thematically rich full-length experience.

If you’re as captivated by Cardinals’ powerful storytelling as I am, why not bring that vibe home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store to keep the spirit of Masquerade alive in your space.

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