Full Breakdown
Cardinals Release New Single 'Barbed Wire' and Announce 2026 UK and Ireland Tour
11/26/2025, 3:43:29 PM
New Single and Album Details
Cork-based indie band Cardinals have unveiled their latest single, "Barbed Wire," which will feature on their debut studio album, *Masquerade*, set for release on February 13, 2026. The song, described as "gloomy," draws inspiration from the history of Cork and the Gaol house that once stood on the South Gate Bridge. Frontman Euan Manning noted that the lyrics aim to evoke imagery of city walls and security fences, reflecting a blend of personal and historical themes. The track is accompanied by a black-and-white music video directed by Xander Lewis.
Upcoming Tour Schedule
In conjunction with the single release, Cardinals have announced a UK and Ireland tour scheduled for March 2026. The tour will include performances in several cities, such as Belfast, Cork, Dublin, Bristol, London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Glasgow. The full list of tour dates is as follows:
- March 5: Ulster Sports Club, Belfast
- March 6: Live At St. Luke’s, Cork
- March 7: The Workman’s Club, Dublin
- March 10: Exchange, Bristol
- March 11: The Garage, London
- March 13: YES (Pink Room), Manchester
- March 14: The Grove, Newcastle
- March 15: King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
Themes and Musical Direction
Manning has characterized *Masquerade* as a project that transitions from "the brittle honesty of folk to the theatrical melodrama of goth-rock." He emphasized the album's exploration of authenticity and the facades people maintain, stating, "the curtain is pulled and cynicism takes its place." The album will also delve into themes of religion, divided into two halves, with the latter half presenting a "darker and grittier exploration" of these themes.
Background and Band Formation
Cardinals was formed by brothers Euan and Finn Manning, their cousin Darragh, and school friends Oskar Gudinovic and Aaron Hurley. The band has gained recognition for their energetic performances and has supported notable acts such as NewDad and Fontaines D.C. Their music has also been featured in Netflix's *House of Guinness*.
Criticism and Opposition
While Cardinals have received positive attention, some critics argue that the band's sound may not fully capture the essence of Cork's musical heritage. However, Manning has expressed a desire to push boundaries and avoid complacency, aiming to create a "classic Cork album" that reflects a wide spectrum of emotions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s very much inspired by the history of our city and the Gaol house that stood on the South Gate Bridge many years ago,” — Euan Manning, Frontman
- “Something the record looks at is peeling back the ‘masquerade’ or the facade we all put up,” — Euan Manning, Frontman
As Cardinals prepare for their upcoming tour and album release, they continue to establish themselves as a significant emerging force in the Irish music scene.