Cardinals have released “Big Empty Heart” – a thrashing, emotional track that retains its edge while staying rooted in traditional musical influences. The single carries a shanty-esque flair, driven by a pulsing accordion at its core, and I wouldn’t expect anything less from an Irish band! Blending traditional Celtic sounds with modern post-rock energy, the track feels both fresh and grounded. The band considers the song a “waltz” which feels appropriate for its sway and subtle romantic undertones.
The band began as a fun collaboration between teenage friends in Kinsale, a sleepy fishing village on Ireland’s south coast, and has since evolved into a five-piece based in Cork. Cardinals is made up of Euan Manning (guitar and vocals), Oskar Gudinovic (guitar), Aaron Hurley (bass), Finn Manning (accordion), and Darragh Manning (drums). With brothers Euan and Finn, and their cousin Darragh, it’s a true family affair. The song, too, has historical roots, as the main melody was originally conceived by a 12-year-old Oskar on a Korg synth.
“Big Empty Heart is a love song written from beyond the grave. It is a waltz as waltzes are the most romantic kinds of songs. Oskar wrote the main melody on a Korg synthesiser when he was 12 and the song is built around that.”
-Euan Manning, frontman of Cardinals
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