Up-and-coming bands need all the help they can get to make a breakthrough. Especially when they make such great music, work hard at it, and always seem to be having a fun time, both for themselves and for fans and audiences.
That’s certainly the case for a UK band that is taking a big step up with their first headline tour in the US. It’s a long way to get to the Rock Hall of Fame, but everyone has to start somewhere.
Late last year, this band from Wales signed up with WMA as their agents and struck a record deal with Thirty Tigers in the US. Even with that backing, there is always a concern over how well tickets will sell. So far, the Cardinal Black has little to worry about in that respect.
In March, they announced 12 dates across the US and 1 in Toronto, all during August. An early date in New York sold out in a matter of hours, but a fix is in hand. The band is upgrading the gig from The Mercury Lounge to a bigger venue; they’ll now be playing The Gramercy Theatre instead. Other dates are selling fast too, with Atlanta, Georgia, just added to the sell-out list.
UK band the Cardinal Black, superb live with new album coming soon
It’s no surprise to anyone who has seen the band live already. Or has listened to their first album, January Came Close, released in 2022. Singer Tom Hollister has a great voice that lends itself well to their rock, rhythm, and blues style. That’s complemented by some exquisite guitar playing from Chris Buck and Adam Roberts, keeping them on track on drums.
Cardinal Black is excellent on stage. It’s always a fun gig and atmosphere, and they have some great songs in their catalog, too. Those are being expanded by the upcoming release of their second album, Midnight At The Valencia, and early singles from it.
The album has a release date of May 25 and is now available for preorder. Two singles have been released so far, and both continue the great sound from their debut disc. “Keep On Running” was the first single and has been followed now by “Need More Time.”
There are some great behind-the-scenes views of filming the promo video for the single on the band’s excellent and fun Instagram account. It’s well worth following.
While the first tour dates are all about North America, that’s going to be followed up by a European leg. October sees the band hit the UK and Dublin for 14 nights. That’s followed by 11 gigs across the rest of Europe in November and December. I’ve got my tickets booked and can't wait. If you get the chance to see them yourself, do take it.