Cardinals Release Cathartic New Single ‘I Like You’ Ahead of Debut Album

Irish indie band Cardinals share their heartfelt accordion-led track ‘I Like You,’ a cathartic fan favorite from their upcoming debut album.

A Fresh Wave of Emotions with Cardinals’ Latest Single

If you’ve been following the rise of Irish indie music, Cardinals are a name you need to know. This January 2026, the band unveiled their new single, ‘I Like You’, a romantic, accordion-infused tune that’s already striking chords with fans. It’s the first glimpse into their highly anticipated debut album Masquerade, dropping on February 13 via So Young.

Cardinals bringing heartfelt indie vibes in their latest release.

The song captures a sense of emotional grounding, something frontman Euan Manning describes as “cathartic” after months of creative stillness.

The Story Behind ‘I Like You’: A Grounding Moment in Songwriting

Euan Manning shared that ‘I Like You’ marked a turning point: “This is the first song we wrote with the album in mind. After a very long period of not working on anything, we started and finished this some bright morning last February in our practice studio.”

He reflects on the song’s significance, saying it “felt cathartic, a completely grounding moment after feeling slightly lost for months.” There’s an intimacy and warmth here that feels like a musical hug—one you didn’t know you needed.

One of the song’s standout lines, “Don’t change your hair for me, if you still care for me,” draws inspiration from the classic jazz standard My Funny Valentine. Although not penned by Chet Baker, the band references his iconic rendition as their inspiration. This nod to jazz greats like Frank Sinatra, Elvis Costello, and Miles Davis adds a timeless flavor to their indie sound.

Watch Cardinals Perform ‘I Like You’ Live

Check out this live performance video of ‘I Like You’ recorded at The Everyman in Cork – it’s a raw, heartfelt moment that really brings the song to life:

Building Momentum: What Came Before ‘I Like You’

‘I Like You’ builds on a string of evocative singles that have set the stage for Masquerade. Tracks like ‘Big Empty Heart’, ‘The Burning Of Cork’, ‘Barbed Wire’, and the title track ‘Masquerade’ showcase the band's range—from brooding to tender.

Last year, Cardinals gained additional recognition by contributing to the soundtrack for Netflix’s House Of Guinness, created by Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight. Plus, they warmed up the crowd for Fontaines D.C. at their huge London show in Finsbury Park, proving they’re a force on both records and live stages.

Hitting the Road: Cardinals’ 2026 UK and Ireland Tour

This March, Cardinals are headlining a UK and Ireland tour, hitting iconic venues with their rich, indie rock sound. Here’s the lineup:

March 2026 Tour Dates:
- 05 – Ulster Sports Club, Belfast
- 06 – Live At St. Luke’s, Cork
- 07 – The Workman’s Club, Dublin
- 10 – Exchange, Bristol
- 11 – The Garage, London
- 13 – YES (Pink Room), Manchester
- 14 – The Grove, Newcastle
- 15 – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow

If you’re close to any of these cities, definitely check out a show—they’re known for creating intimate yet electric atmospheres.

Irish Indie’s Unique Voice: Cardinals Reflect on Their Place

In a recent chat, Manning gave some thoughtful insights into Cardinals’ identity amid Ireland’s buzzing indie scene consisting of bands like Fontaines D.C., Sprints, The Murder Capital, NewDad, and Gurriers.

“There’s always been good Irish music,” he says. “It’s had a commercial surge now, which is great. People are definitely benefiting, but I don’t like to see us lumped in. Aside from the fact that we’re Irish, I don’t see we have much in common musically with a lot of our contemporaries.”

This independent streak shows in their music and approach to the scene. Manning admits they’re a bit insular, “We want to do our own thing… It would be nice to be really friendly with all these Irish bands... but I don’t think it’s in our nature.” And isn’t that part of their charm? Carving out their own path, even in a thriving community.

Cardinals captured in a striking photo by Xander Lewis.

Making a “Classic” Album? Manning’s Thoughts

Euan Manning has spoken before about his hopes for Masquerade to become a classic album. But what does “classic” mean? “Classic albums are different for different people,” he muses. “I don’t know whether it’s a classic or not – it’s not up to me. But I’m really proud of us. I’m really proud of the record. Personally, in my heart, it’s a classic.”

There’s something profoundly sincere about this approach—creating art for personal fulfillment as much as for the world to hear.

A Playlist That Sets the Mood

To accompany their recent feature, Cardinals put together a playlist themed ‘Cigarette smoke in a Brooklyn dive bar, 1984’—a vivid soundtrack that perfectly captures their atmospheric and nostalgic vibe. It’s a perfect listen for fans wanting to dive deeper into the mood that shapes Masquerade.

Wrapping It Up: Cardinals’ ‘I Like You’ Is a Must-Hear

Whether you’re a die-hard indie enthusiast or discovering Cardinals for the first time, ‘I Like You’ is a beautifully cathartic track that promises even greater things to come with Masquerade. Its accordion-led romance, heartfelt lyrics, and grounding emotion make it a standout moment in today’s indie landscape.

FAQ

• What is the release date of Cardinals' debut album?
  The album Masquerade will be released on February 13, 2026.
• Where can I watch the live performance of ‘I Like You’?
  The live video from The Everyman in Cork is available online and features an intimate performance by the band.
• Which classic jazz song inspired lyrics in ‘I Like You’?
  The song references My Funny Valentine, especially the version popularized by Chet Baker.
• Are Cardinals touring soon?
  Yes, Cardinals will be touring the UK and Ireland in March 2026, visiting cities like Belfast, Cork, Dublin, and London.
• How does Cardinals view their place in the Irish indie music scene?
  They appreciate the commercial surge but emphasize their unique sound and a somewhat insular nature compared to other Irish bands.

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