On their latest full-length album, Welsh rhythm & blues trio Cardinal Black celebrate Midnight At The Valencia with eleven vintage-soaked, emotionally weighty songs—stadium-ready. This record blends soulful rock, Americana warmth, and bluesy bite with the ease of a band that’s played a lot of late shows. Frontman Tom Hollister sings with lived-in grace—mighty vocals that convey the lyrics so empathetically that goosebumps are inevitable (be sure to at least listen to Breathe)—while Chris Buck’s guitar work continues to stun, and drummer Adam Roberts lays down a solid but grooving foundation. No trend-chasing here—just seasoned songwriting and big-hearted performances from a band clearly in it for the long haul. For those who like their rock with a story and a pulse.
Midnight at The Valencia—produced by Cyrill Camenzind—is out now digitally, on CD and vinyl LP, through Jump in Records / Thirty Tigers.