Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
Cardinal Black have found a way to make that difficult second album seem easy. Midnight at the Velencia is simple, sultry and sublime and the stepping stone to greatness.
The album opens with “Ride Home” and it looks like the Welsh boyos have discovered the what does this do buttons in the studio as it opens like an aboriginal anthem and of all the little additional sounds added, did they even manage to sneak in some bagpipes?
This track personifies my simple statement, it has that laid back Cardinal Black vibe and this is as catchy as hell.
The pipes fade away at the end of the previous song and slide into “Falling” and that slow, easy atmosphere builds until the song grabs you. The bass and guitars are powerful yet discreet with singer Tom Hollister taking the song front and centre with those powerful vocals.
“Chasing Cars” is going to be the Cardinal Black’s contribution to mankind as this is the one that babies will be conceived too. This is a truly beautiful track with both Tom and Chris Buck ripping out your heart strings and leaving a mark that will stay with you for a very long time. This instantly became my favourite track.
“Breathe” opens with Tom’s husky, oops my pants fell off vocals and his voice breathes emotion right into your soul. The layered vocals in the background which no doubt was Chris turns this song into an almost religious encounter. A song made to be played in a church with a full choir. this song grabbed me and refused to let go.
The tempo lifts on “Keep on Running” and with the backing singer the church flows to the deep south and if you manage not to shout hallelujah at some point during this song you done better than me. Chris’s distorted guitar work is mesmerizing.
“Morning Light” opens with an obvious outtake and that lazy southern porch feel is back and as a lover of the Cadillac Three this song sank right into that groove. It floats, it soars and it hits hard when the quiet moments are left behind. This track really shows the quality of the production and with a song so good it deserves nothing less.
“Holding my Breath” is 100% Cardinal Black, this is the band that takes a hold of you live, this is the simplicity and impact that music can have on you. This is how you take a message, let it play on your emotions and no matter how slow, how simple it has an impact as crushing as a Thrash bands double bass.
The similar vibe threads its story through “Push/Pull” but it is Chris who grabs you first before those dulcet tones trickle like honey into your ears before the feeling sends shudders down your spine. Another truly beautiful song.
“Adeline” has so much soul it deseves its own reincarnation. A song full of longing, a little desperation and a willingness to never fail. This song made me feel how the album plays out like a book. The songs flow into each other, the picture becomes bigger, the tapestries are spun and the more you listen to it the more you fall in love.
The mouth organ is out on “Need More Time” and for me that is always an instant winner but it is the little touches on this album that propel the band forward, separate from what was a flawless debut and how it sets itself apart.
I am already on board with this album, already sold that this band has every right being one of the best bands I have discovered in a decade and then “Your Spark( Blows me to Pieces)” finishes things off and the boys bow out with perfection. What an incredible song and to be honest just giving it the moniker of a song somehow lessens the impact that this had on me.
The first time I saw Chris Buck play his guitar I knew he was destined for greatness and as much as I love Buck and Evans this collaboration is pure stardust. Each member play their part in making this an experience, not just a collection of songs.
I have a feeling people may not find Midnight at the Valencia as accessible as the debut but please stick with it, every play it grows until you realise we may very well have the best album of 2025 right before us.
Preorder: https://orcd.co/midnightatthevalencia-eu
