Earlier this year Cork, Ireland rockers Cardinals released their debut album, Masquerade, on February 13, 2026, through So Young Records. It’s one of our favorite albums of the year so far and we got to see the band make their return to New York to play a sold out intimate performance at Main Drag Music in Williamsburg.
The evening took place in the basement of the shop, giving the grungy underground feel that was a unique yet still perfect setting for the band to lay down their layered and moody blend of indie rock, post punk, with a more moody and atmospheric trad influence that they boldly make into their own. A good chunk of their set was played in dark reds or near darkness, fully setting the scene for their songs to do their work in the hot sweaty confines of the venue.
They ran through their new album as well as favorites such as “Twist and Turn” from their debut EP, which kicked off the show in epic fashion and there was no looking back from there. The band let their tunes do all the talking for them and were all business, leaving quite a striking impression. I saw them last year at Baby’s All Right and there was a sense of even further growth and command from that performance, and it’s clear that bigger things and larger rooms are due for them in the near future.
Find a full gallery of photos below, along with Smush, who opened the show.
Smush:
Cardinals:
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