Cardinals is a rising indie band from Cork, Ireland, blending alternative folk-rock, indie rock, and post-punk into a nostalgic, emotionally resonant sound. The group is made up of Euan Manning, Finn Manning, Darragh Manning, Kieran Hurley, and Aaron Hurley. Since their emergence in 2022, they’ve gained notable praise from the indie music scene, including support from Fontaines D.C.’s Grian Chatten. Known for their heartfelt lyrics and textured instrumentation, Cardinals have quickly built momentum with acclaimed singles and live performances, including a support slot for Fontaines D.C. at Finsbury Park and an upcoming UK headline tour.
“Big Empty Heart” is a dramatic, romantic indie waltz released in June 2025 through So Young Records. Described by frontman Euan Manning as a love song written “from beyond the grave,” the track intertwines haunting accordion, melancholy guitar, and lyrical intimacy to create a nostalgic yet fresh sound. The melody is based on an idea originally composed by Oskar Gudinovic at the age of 12, giving the track a uniquely circular, almost dreamlike quality. While it stands alone as a single, “Big Empty Heart” continues the moody, expressive momentum the band built through previous releases and signals their continued rise in the UK and Irish indie scenes.
