Cardinal Black tear it up at The Junction Cambridge UK on their new tour

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As a seasoned music enthusiast with a soft spot for live performances, I must say that Cardinal Black at The Junction, Cambridge was a night to remember. With over two decades of attending gigs under my belt, I can confidently claim that this Welsh band knows how to put on a show!

Live albums are often divisive among music enthusiasts, with opinions ranging from adoration to disdain. However, there’s no argument when it comes to experiencing live music itself. Watching a band or musician perform live is an exhilarating experience, especially in a more intimate setting like a smaller venue rather than being far away at the top tier of a faceless arena.

Indeed, it’s possible that they might encounter less-than-ideal performances, but fortunately, that’s seldom the case with Welsh band Cardinal Black. They’ve been consistently performing for quite some time now, and their act has been refined to a fine edge. Currently, they are preparing to unveil a new album and have just released “Welcome To The Valencia“, a three-track EP. This upcoming gig at The Junction, Cambridge, UK, marks the second stop on their tour, and there’s plenty of excitement surrounding it this week.

Initially, Rosie Frater-Taylor took the stage as the opening act for a 30-minute performance. Accompanying her was drummer Tom Potter Potts and bass player Dave Edwards who provided excellent backing for her jazz-rock style. Frater-Taylor’s guitar skills shone brightly, delivering impressive solos throughout her songs.

Great support for Cardinal Black in Cambridge

She’s been a while since I’ve come across a guitarist who sings her improvisations in a scat fashion. Her performance featured tracks from her recent album, “Featherweight,” as well as a fresh take on Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” The crowd responded positively to both. As an accomplished guitar player, her set and solos left us eager for more.

Cardinal Black presented a straightforward setup: an upgraded audience identification backdrop, vintage radio sets, some conventional lighting, and a couple of old-school lamps. This minimalist arrangement created a cozy and evocative ambiance as they started their performance. As lead vocalist Tom Hollister acknowledged, it’s daring to launch with a pair of fresh tunes initially. However, these new songs seemed invitingly familiar right from the start, a clever tactic they employed consistently throughout the evening.

After playing four songs, Hollister has initiated an impromptu choir among the audience. Guitarist Chris Buck has proven his stardom with some subtle notes and a few impressive solos. The rhythm is set by drummer Adam Roberts and bassist Sam Williams, creating a solid base for Hollister and Buck to showcase their exceptional skills. For this tour, Hollister’s brother Greg is lending his keyboard talents. Last but not least, Tay Cousins adds harmonious backing vocals to the mix.

Chris Buck and Tom Hollister work together so well

In a lively performance, their song “Tell Me How It Feels” was outstanding, with the crowd jumping and eager for more. Not only did the band seem to be enjoying themselves, but Tom Hollister stood out, interacting with the audience, presenting the songs, and dancing around when Buck unleashed his fantastic guitar skills. Without a shadow of a doubt, he’s an exceptional guitarist, and just like the entire band, they truly deserve a larger platform for their talent.

As a gamer putting on my favorite band’s album, Hollister’s soulful, blues-rock vibes are like the game controller guiding our musical journey. His velvety vocals and palpable enthusiasm fuel the rhythm, while at times his voice alone sets the mood, and in other moments he takes center stage with the full band.

Towards the finale, there’s a note emphasizing how well Hollister and Buck harmonize together. For a special performance, they stay on stage together, with Buck strumming a mellow, relaxed, and introspective guitar melody as Hollister sings. This transitioned into the appearance of the rest of the group and one of their best songs, “Tied Up In Blue”. It’s another stunning aspect of their rock performance.

Cardinal Black’s new album to follow soon

Time seems to race by when a performance is going smoothly, and now Hollister is pulling off another clever trick as they launch into the last song of the evening. The band has already played multiple songs that could have been excellent encores. They end with yet another new tune, allowing Hollister to rally the crowd to sing along to a song that most people were barely familiar with. And it was a huge success.

Cardinal Black has kicked off their newest concert tour, with their upcoming record set to drop soon. This group is simply captivating when performing live, an experience you can sample for yourself from their recent “Live at The Memo” album. It’s high time they advance further and break into even larger successes.

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2024-10-11 13:02