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Cardinals

County: Cork

Decades Active: 2020s

Cork indie rock band - guitar rock accented with accordion

About Cardinals

Cardinals are a six-piece band from Cork making waves in the current boom of Irish guitar music. Their self-titled debut EP showcases a distinct blend of raw indie and post-punk influences, yet their sound stands out due to a unique combination of musical curiosity and subversive elements. Guitarists Kieran Hurley and Oskar Gudinovic bring a raw, scuzzy energy, while frontman Euan Manning’s sweet, pop-centric vocal melodies and his brother Finn’s accordion add an offbeat touch that sets them apart from their contemporaries.

Cardinals blend influences from The Beach Boys and traditional Irish music, with Oskar’s classical training and Darragh Manning’s “aficionado” drumming further enriching their sound. Their music often evokes a layered, otherworldly quality, especially in tracks like the haunting “If I Could Make You Care,” where the accordion and guitars create a mesmerizing atmosphere.

The band draws inspiration from a wide range of art forms, including film, literature, and visual art, particularly the works of Irish artist Harry Clarke. While their songs are not overtly political, Cardinals made a bold statement by withdrawing from SXSW in 2024 in protest against the event’s sponsorship by the US Army and defence contractors in protest at the US support of Israel's genocide against Palestinians.

Members:

  1. Euan Manning- Vocals & Guitar
  2. Oskar Gudinovic - Guitar
  3. Aaron Hurley - Bass
  4. Finn Manning - Accordion
  5. Darragh Manning - Drums

Video


Cardinals - Unreal

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