By David O’Neill
Cardinal Black’s sophomore studio album, ‘Midnight At The Valencia’, arrives with considerable anticipation, following the critical acclaim of their debut, ‘January Came Close’. The new record not only builds on the band’s established strengths but also carves out a more refined and distinctive musical identity, marking a notable evolution in their sound and songwriting.
Where ‘January Came Close’ was lauded for its seamless blend of rock and soul-soaked blues, offering a polished yet heartfelt collection that introduced Tom Hollister’s rich vocals and Chris Buck’s expressive guitar work, ‘Midnight At The Valencia’ pushes the band further into soulful, cinematic territory. The new album is meticulously produced, with a broader sonic palette that includes bagpipes, harmonica, and layered keyboards, expanding the quartet’s core sound. The opener, ‘Ride Home,’ immediately signals this shift, blending atmospheric synths and art rock influences with a hypnotic groove and even a bagpipes solo—an adventurous move that pays off, lending the track a cinematic sweep reminiscent of Peter Gabriel’s ‘Solsbury Hill’.
While the debut’s tracks like ‘Where Do You Go?’ and ‘Tell Me How It Feels’ were celebrated for their tight production and emotional immediacy, ‘Midnight At The Valencia’ opts for more nuanced, layered arrangements. The songs are generally more concise, yet nothing feels rushed; instead, the band condenses their ideas into tighter, more bite-sized chunks, allowing for greater focus and emotional punch.
Hollister’s vocals remain front and centre, his delivery ranging from soulful crooning to full-throated intensity, drawing comparisons to Joe Cocker and Michael McDonald. Tracks like ‘Morning Light’ and ‘Holding My Breath’ showcase this dynamic range, with the latter featuring a gospel-tinged chorus and a jazzy, Rory Gallagher-inspired guitar solo from Buck.
Both albums are rich in emotional content, but ‘Midnight At The Valencia’ leans more heavily into balladry and introspection. Songs like ‘Racing Cars,’ ‘Breathe,’ and ‘Push/Pull’ bring a soulful melancholy, while the closing ‘Your Spark (Blows Me to Pieces)’ delivers a climactic blend of passionate vocals and searing guitar, encapsulating the album’s central themes of longing and connection. The band’s chemistry is palpable throughout, with the rhythm section providing a solid, often groovy foundation that allows Buck’s guitar and Hollister’s vocals to shine.
‘January Came Close’ was described as an “impeccably assured” debut, its sound both minimal and complete, with each member contributing to a cohesive whole. The debut’s warmth and elation, coupled with moments of melancholia, set a high bar for the band’s future work. In contrast, ‘Midnight At The Valencia’ feels like the logical next step: more adventurous in its instrumentation, more varied in its arrangements, and more confident in its artistic voice. The blues-rock edge of the debut is softened in favour of swirling soul and art-rock textures, but the emotional core remains intact.
The musicianship and production choices contribute to the album’s sophisticated feel. The band expands its sonic palette by incorporating new instruments—such as bagpipes and harmonica—alongside lush keyboard layers. These additions enrich the sound without overcrowding it, allowing each element space to breathe. Chris Buck’s guitar work, for example, is described as ‘supple,’ providing shimmering backdrops rather than overpowering solos, which gives the arrangements a sense of subtlety and polish.
The album’s emotional and thematic cohesion plays a significant role in its refinement. Unlike the debut, which was a culmination of years of songwriting and felt like a “sporadic collection of tracks written over 12 years”, ‘Midnight At The Valencia’ was created with a “fresh, clean slate” (to quote the band). The result is a record that feels infinitely more cohesive, with tighter themes and a more unified artistic vision. The lyrics are more overtly personal, reflecting specific moments and relationships, which lends the album a sense of maturity and focus.
Finally, the performances themselves are more nuanced. Tom Hollister’s vocals are highlighted as the emotional centrepiece, delivering both power and vulnerability. The arrangements often build and recede dynamically, showcasing restraint and control—qualities that contribute to a refined listening experience. Even the ballads, which dominate the album, are handled with care, exploring similar tempos and moods without becoming monotonous, thanks to the band’s rugged songwriting and churning arrangements.
In summary, ‘Midnight At The Valencia’ achieves its refined character through deliberate songwriting, expanded but tasteful instrumentation, cohesive themes, and emotionally resonant performances. The shorter tracks are a reflection of the band’s confidence in their craft, demonstrating that refinement is not a matter of length, but of clarity, focus, and expressive depth.
This is another of the bands that are blasting out of the dreary South Wales valleys into the sunlight of international superstardom. With a near sellout US tour throughout July and August this will launch the band into the stratosphere. See them on a small stage while you still can!
‘Midnight At The Valencia’ consolidates the promise of their debut while confidently exploring new sonic territory. The result is a breathtaking, genre-defying record that stands as both a refinement and an expansion of their sound. For fans of the debut, the new album offers familiar emotional depth with a fresh, cinematic twist – proof that Cardinal Black’s best may still be ahead of them.
- ‘Midnight At The Valencia’ is out now.