Review: Cardinal Black – Midnight At The Valencia
Thirty Tigers (May 23rd, 2025)
Reviewer – Chris O’Connor
I have been waiting anxiously for the release of this album, having become a huge fan of Cardinal Black over the last couple of years. If you are unaware of this stunning act, they are actually homegrown, hailing from Wales, and strangely, this is the second time they have been a band (well three quarters of them anyway) in the last 15 years. Now, I am late to the party, as lots of people have followed them for the last few years, where (as I say) to my shame I only discovered them a couple of years back.
So, why should you care about Cardinal Black? Because they are BLOODY BRILLIANT is why! Being astonishingly talented, and who blend Rock, with loads of soul, some pop sensibilities, and just a smattering of funk to boot. They have a killer guitarist, and arguably the best vocalist in recent times! No, I am not exaggerating, guitarist Chris Buck is (quite rightly) winning accolades everywhere, and singer Tom Hollister has THE most beautiful voice I can think of, and who pours soulful emotion into every single note. Just wow!
You think I’m wrong? Slash honestly loves them, while they have supported his bandmate Myles Kennedy – who is also a huge fan. Should you be wearing ‘musical blinkers’, do yourselves a favour, take them off, and just let the band’s musical brilliance permeate your very heart and soul – trust me, you will thank me. The sensational quartet is rounded out by drummer Adam Roberts, and the one ‘new’ guy amongst the guys, bass guitarist Sam Williams, and a very wonderful rhythmic coupling they are too.
A very learned friend of mine says he hears a Neil Young/REM/Bob Dylan ‘thing’ going on – I can hear a possible R.E.M ‘link’, but as I’m only a casual fan (at best) of Young (and particularly) Dylan, I happily bow to his superior knowledge. Whatever it is Cardinal Black is doing – I absolutely bloody love it. I have been playing this album endlessly, it’s as close to perfection as any other I can think of.
The album kicks off with the sublime ‘Ride Home’, which is absolutely beautiful. With the band being supported by what sounds like sequenced keyboards – which add perfectly to the song. It’s a huge song and is a brilliant way to open the album. The song segues into the equally gorgeous ‘Falling’, which is more measured but sees the band’s soulful sound pouring through. The song has a monster chorus and is guaranteed to become a crowd-pleasing live favourite, as it simply soars.
‘Racing Cars’ is next – and simply floors you with its beauty. It’s a slow piano led piece, and here Tom Hollister simply shines … oh my goodness. To me (only) he reminds me (tonally) of Michael Bolton and Benny Mardones. ‘Breathe’ is another monster of a song, Tom is supported by some gorgeous almost choral vocals – which work beautifully. Chris Buck supplies superbly elegantly restrained guitar work. Oh my.
‘Keep On Running’ sees the band hitting Funk Rock territory, it’s a number where the rhythm section gets to shine, laying down a gloriously groovy backbeat. Again, the use of powerful female backing vocals complement Tom perfectly, it’s a fabulous track. Next is ‘Morning Light’ which is a luscious and dreamy song. It’s a number where yet again Tom Hollister pours his heart and soul into every note, and Chris Buck proves what a stunning guitarist he is – his lead here is nothing short of jaw-dropping. The use of Hammond organ to ‘thicken’ the sound is utterly perfect too, damn this band knows how to make aural dynamics work.
‘Holding My Breath’ is another funkier number, with a wonderfully laidback groove, Sam Williams and Adam Roberts drive the song perfectly, which Mr Buck supplies a beautiful lead that Dave Gilmour would have been proud to call his own. It’s also a song where Tom is happy to be restrained for the main part, his vocals toning beautifully with some more gorgeous female backing vocals, it’s fantastic.
‘Push/Pull’ is beautifully intimate, where the band simply understands that less is more. Tom’s gloriously emotive voice carries the song. Chris Buck’s gently and sparingly picked guitar is a sign of such maturity here. ‘Adeline’ is gently funky and dreamily soulful, Chris allows his guitar to ‘sing’ softly, while Tom’s beautifully soulful performance is simply electrifying. The song builds to a blazing climax, you simply need to hear this to fully appreciate it – words honestly can’t do it justice.
‘Need More Time’ is where I finally understand the Bob Dylan reference musically. It’s an upbeat track featuring harmonica, some very Dylanesque guitars, and is the most ‘Americana’ toned song on the album as a result. The use of Hammond organs works beautifully here, it’s great stuff. However, the best is yet to come. Messrs Buck, Hollister, Williams and Roberts end the album in simply sublime style.
‘Your Spark (Blows Me To Pieces)’ is simply absolute perfection. It’s a song that builds and builds to a shattering climax, where Chris Buck cuts loose with a genuinely glorious and spine-tingling solo, while Tom Hollister wrings every emotional note from his voice, until the song gently subsides into nothingness … holy hell! If you are not left shellshocked by the sheer brilliance of this song – then you honestly have no heart or soul … end of.
So, to my mind, ‘Midnight At The Valencia’ is an emotional rollercoaster of an album, in many respects I’d describe it as a ‘late night album’ – one best discovered in peace and quiet, where every raw note can envelope your senses. I’ve yet to experience the band live, but I genuinely now cannot wait to do so.
This album is easily going to vie for my album of the year. Mark my words, Cardinal Black will inevitably become a household name, superstardom really does await, this wondrous band truly ‘does have it all going on’, and it won’t just be the UK demanding their presence, world domination is now surely a foregone conclusion – and deservedly so. Just buy this … okay?
Tracklist:
- Ride Home
- Falling
- Racing Cars
- Breathe
- Keep On Running
- Morning Light
- Holding My Breath
- Push/Pull
- Adeline
- Need More Time
- Your Spark (Blows Me To Pieces)
Web Links:
Discover more from ROCKPOSER DOT COM
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
You must be logged in to post a comment.