With the venue for the evening in close proximity to the station, it was the 545 to Glasgow that Boy Child and I boarded on Thursday evening.
The venue for the evening was new one to us both. We were headed to Audio, an intimate venue in the city centre (capacity circa 150)
And who were we off to see? Those uber talented boys from Wales, Cardinal Black!
I first saw these guys last December when they supported Myles Kennedy and have been impatiently waiting for a headline show ever since.
With a stage front spot secured (there is no actual rail in this venue) Boy Child, and I waited with bated breath…would this be as magical as we remembered?
There was only one support act for the evening – Laura Evans. This rising star also hails from Wales. Ably accompanied by Joe Coombs on guitar, Laura delivered a fabulous opening set, albeit too short. Half an hour just wasn’t enough. Laura’s style is a musical collage of genres – think Stevie Nick, Lee Ann Rimes but all with a hint of blues in among those country vibes. Loved the cover of Chris Stapleton’s Arkansas. It slotted in perfectly among Laura’s own music, largely from her recent album, State of Mind. This young lady deserves to go far. Check her out!
Arkansas (cover) – Laura Evans @ Audio, Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube
At 8:15, the lights dimmed, the intro tape played, and the sell-out crowd waited impatiently for Cardinal Black to take to the stage. They opened their ninety-minute set with Rise Up, their current single from their eagerly awaited, crowd-funded, debut album. (It’s due out on 14th October). Spine tingling stuff right from the off. Awesome start.
Rise Up – Cardinal Black @ Audio, Glasgow 15/09/22 – show opener – YouTube
I fell just a little bit in love with this band when they supported Myles in 2021 and it was heartwarming to see them so relaxed and happy, oozing confidence with a smattering of mischief as they charmed their way into the hearts of the Scottish fans in the room.
Yes, there were one or two pedal “glitches” including a power issue (another 50p needed in the meter methinks), Sam the bass player confusing which song they were playing and perhaps a fluffed lyric, but it all added to the intimacy of the show as did front man Tom Hollister’s easy banter.
Accompanied by Tom’s brother, Greg, on keyboards, Cardinal Black delivered a spellbinding set. I’ve high hopes for the future for this young band and have a feeling that this show will become one for the history books, when a few years down the line, as they headline far larger venues, the diehard fans will be saying, “Remember when they played Audio in 2022. I was there.”
There honestly wasn’t a weak song in the set.
Jump In from their EP was one of the set highlights for me. Beautiful song and the tone from Chris Buck’s guitar was stunning. Haunting. Love it!
Jump In – Cardinal Black @ Audio Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube
Mid-set, among much lighthearted banter, Tom Hollister introduced On My Own…cue goosebumps. Another simply beautiful song delivered with so much warmth.
On My Own – Cardinal Black @ Audio Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube
Cardinal Black are a tight unit. There’s an almost magical chemistry among the members. Each of them brings something unique to the mix. I’m a music fan and not a musician so I can’t comment on the technical complexities of Chris Buck’s playing but what I can say is that he is an incredible guitarist. Mesmerising. There’s so much talent at his fingertips. I could watch him play all night.
I mentioned that Audio is an intimate venue, and this became truly apparent as Cardinal Black left the stage at the end of the main body of their set, intending to duck back into the compact and bijoux dressing room for a few moments. There was only one issue… there wasn’t room in the “broom cupboard” for all of them!
Among the giggles over this minor technicality, they very promptly returned to the stage for a three-song encore. (Suggestion, boys – ditch the encore and just play straight through.)
Free opened their encore. A beautiful acoustic ballad, performed by Chris Buck and Tom Hollister. Stunning stuff.
Free – Cardinal Black @ Audio, Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube
Tied Up In Blue rounded out the night, bring the evening to the perfect musical climax. Chris’ guitar solo during this was mind blowing. Loved seeing him lost in the sonic landscape of this one. Awesomeness!
Tied Up In Blue – Cardinal Black @ Audio Glasgow 15/09/22 – YouTube
With smiles all round, Cardinal Black brought the show to a close. “It’s you I want”… yes, Glasgow wants you. We want more!
Hurry back, boys.
You can pre-order their debut album here:
the525toglasgow 