Cardinals

Based in Cork, the band Cardinals stands out with its intense emotional world, oscillating between light and darkness, hope and despair. Led by brothers Euan and Finn Manning, the five-piece group, which includes their cousin Darragh, and school friends Oskar Gudinovic and Aaron Hurley, has quickly established a strong presence in the Irish alternative music scene. The band's debut album, "Masquerade," released in 2025, is a powerful testament to this rise. The album, which begins with gentle melodies and gradually becomes more intense, offers a listening experience that takes the listener on an emotional journey. While the A-side features a more vulnerable and introspective narrative, the B-side stands out with its dark, raw, and intense atmosphere. With this approach, Cardinals pays homage to classic record culture while also offering listeners a multi-layered story. During the recording process, the band worked at the legendary RAK Studios in London, aiming to capture an "organic and authentic" sound with producer Shrink. The album, recorded without the use of a click track, has a live and vibrant quality. In particular, the vocals recorded on the studio staircase for the song "As I Breathe" are one of the album's most vulnerable and impactful moments. The Blind concert on November 26th marks Cardinals' first performance in Turkey. The band, preparing to bring the powerful momentum they achieved with "Masquerade" to the stage, promises an intense, authentic, and unforgettable concert experience for Istanbul audiences.