Cardinal Black return with Welcome to the Valencia – A superb second album

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Pause for a moment if you were considering moving on without learning about Cardinal Black. Trust me, not delving into this could lead to missing out significantly, possibly resulting in regret later on. Let me briefly convince you that it’s worth your time to explore their unique band and upcoming album.

In July last year, Slash praised Chris Buck, the guitarist from his band, as an exceptionally skillful blues guitar player in an interview with the LA Times. This endorsement was also used in some of their promotional materials. Summarizing his words succinctly, he simply said, “really exceptional.” Indeed, Slash’s expertise speaks for itself.

Hey there, fellow gamer! If you’ve been living under a rock and haven’t heard about Cardinal Black yet, I gotta tell ya, you’re missing out big time! This year, they’ve taken their game to a whole new level. They’re embarking on a massive tour across the UK and Europe, and for the first time ever, they’ll be headlining in North America this summer. Already, some of their shows have sold out, proving just how much buzz there is around them. And if that wasn’t enough, they’ve just dropped their second album! So, get ready to join me and millions of others who are excitedly waiting for the next level of Cardinal Black’s music adventure!

New Cardinal Black album Midnight At The Valencia is out now

The album titled “Midnight At The Valencia” is now available on the Thirty Tigers record label. It’s been quite a while since their debut, “January Came Close,” released in 2022. In that time, the band has been actively touring, perfecting their live performances and songs, not to mention penning and recording the new album.

They’ve invested plenty of time, effort, concentration, and performances to reach this milestone, including their most recent album. The band takes great pride in the album and all the hard work that went into creating it.

For three weeks, divided into two recording sessions at Powerplay Studios in Zurich, the production and sound quality of “Midnight At The Valencia” marked a substantial improvement compared to their initial release. This upgrade is partly attributed to the studio’s seasoned producer, Cyrill Camenzind, who oversaw the album’s creation.

Later on, David Benjamin took care of the blending process for the album. Notably, he had previously blended Larkin Poe’s 2024 Grammy Award-winning contemporary blues record titled “Blood Harmony.

Cardinal Black has elevated their unique and captivating music even further in this outstanding new project. The soulful vocals of Tom Hollister, delivered with heartfelt emotion, remain a key feature. They harmoniously blend with Chris Buck’s exceptional bluesy guitar solos and slides, a talent that has earned him endorsement from Slash. All of this is underpinned by the steady beats provided by Adam Roberts on the drums.

Sam Williams plays the bass role, but has since amicably left the band.

Midnight At The Valencia track by track

The album showcases various musical genres and tones, solidifying its unique Cardinal Black signature. In anticipation of its launch, the band has shared insights into their preferred tracks. Each song stands out, highlighting some distinct variations in style.

Roberts and Buck both selected “Ride Home” as their preferred choice. Roberts appreciates the unique drum rhythm he performs in it, while Buck is captivated by its rich sound, featuring bagpipes played by former political communications expert Alistair Campbell and Finlay Macdonald. This opening track on the album could potentially serve as an impressive live performance starter as well.

As a gamer, I’d say “Falling” carries a more somber vibe, yet it still embodies that distinctive Cardinal Black feel. Hollister’s vocals take center stage as the track gains momentum and reaches its climax. Next up is “Racing Cars,” where a rich backdrop sets the scene, with Hollister delivering his best performance. The guitars play softly alongside a piano to wrap it all up in a neat finish.

Hollister picked ‘Breathe’ as his preferred tune, appreciating its mellow vibe. Despite its grandeur, the track features a captivating and eerie choir echoing beneath Hollister’s voice, while a soothing solo from Buck adds to the tranquil ambiance.

The song ‘Keep On Running’ boasts a catchy and groovy beat, accompanied by an initial gritty, raw guitar melody. The tune is cheerful overall, with additional harmonious backup vocals enhancing Hollister’s vocal performance.

Chilled and relaxed Cardinal Black before they step it up again

Buck additionally highlighted the slightly ethereal aspects of “Morning Light” as one of his favorite tracks, given its exceptional soloing from him. This track begins softly and relaxed, gradually rising and falling throughout, a pattern that continues as it progresses. As the song nears its end, Buck delivers another stunning guitar performance. Live on stage, he allows many parts of this song to run freely.

In the track “Holding My Breath,” Hollister adopts a more relaxed vibe. You’ll notice some easygoing keyboards scattered throughout, and a subtly beautiful, uncomplicated solo by Buck. Be prepared for the sudden finish. The tune “Push/Pull” maintains a slow and serene pace.

Deeply emotional and powerful, this song was penned following the death of Buck’s father. The heartfelt guitar accompaniment complementing Hollister’s vocals creates a soulful and bluesy piece that stands out in the album.

On “Adeline,” you’ll find a deeper, contemplative, and soulful vibe that perfectly complements the album. As it gradually softens, delicate keyboards accompany a robust backing chorus, with Buck’s guitar adding to the tranquil ending. The transition then leads us to the energetic “Need More Time.

As you delve deeper into it, the song reveals its grandeur – a signature style of Cardinal Black. The harmonica solos, skillfully executed by Hollister, add an unique flavor to the tune, making it even more appealing for the upcoming U.S. live performances.

Your Spark (Leaves Me In Awe) is an exceptional track to conclude the album, leaving a lasting impression upon first listen last October during the live performance. The catchy chorus invites audience participation in the singing. Hollister delivers remarkable vocals as the song progresses. Buck’s guitar skills shine through at certain moments and contribute to the overall momentum of the track. It undeniably promises to be a standout number on the upcoming tour.

Instead of merely trusting Slash’s opinion, why not experience the band’s music firsthand? Delve into their latest album and form your own conclusions. With this promising new release, it might just be a breakout year for them, so hop aboard early!

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2025-05-23 16:00