Cork’s highly anticipated five-piece, Cardinals, break their 2025 silence today with the release of their captivating new single, “Big Empty Heart.” Recorded at the legendary RAK Studios with producer Shrink, frontman Euan Manning describes the track as having roots that stretch back long before the band’s formation, hinting at a profound, enduring resonance.
He states,
“Big Empty Heart is a love song written from beyond the grave. It is a waltz as waltzes are the most romantic kinds of songs. Oskar wrote the main melody on a Korg synthesiser when he was 12 and the song is built around that.”
“Big Empty Heart” builds on the innate songwriting charm showcased in last year’s single “Get It” and their acclaimed debut EP for So Young Records. The track itself is a masterclass in contrasts, its cyclical accordion motifs weaving a traditional thread through a sound that feels both intimately familiar and startlingly fresh. It’s a dynamic evolution that keeps the listener engaged, showcasing the band’s expanding sonic palette.
Cardinals’ ascent is already garnering significant attention from influential quarters. Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten has hailed them as “one of my favourite new bands” on BBC Radio 1, and the group counts Cillian Murphy and Belfast’s Kneecap among their notable fans. This burgeoning acclaim culminates next month in their biggest show to date, opening for Fontaines D.C. at London’s massive Finsbury Park on July 5th.
Their ambitious year continues with August dates alongside Wunderhorse in Dublin, followed by a significant return to the US in September, supporting The Pogues in Boston and headlining their own string of dates. Further solidifying their burgeoning stature, Cardinals have also announced a new UK headline tour for September. Pre-sale tickets become available at 9 AM on Wednesday, June 11th, with general sale commencing at 9 AM on Friday, June 13th.
