Mark your calendars for early November: Berlin – rising Irish quintet Cardinals are heading to town for an exclusive German headline date at Prenzlauer Berg’s Frannz Club on November 3, 2026, bringing the rich, kinetic energy of their acclaimed debut LP Masquerade directly to our doorsteps.
Hailing from Cork, the five-piece have rapidly evolved into one of the most compelling young guitar bands in Europe. Their sonic DNA pulls no punches, effortlessly braiding the raw swagger of The Pogues, the melancholic warmth of Yo La Tengo, and the razor-sharp downtown attitude of early Strokes with classic Britpop hooks. Early singles and their self-titled debut EP prompted NME to single them out as future indie classics, and Masquerade delivers on every bit of that promise.
Tracks like the folk-fused “St. Agnes,” the moody romance of “I Like You,” the sonic squall of “The Burning of Cork,” and the intimate ballad “As I Breathe” showcase a band operating with seasoned, uncompromising poise: “It feels like a natural progression,” shares frontman, guitarist, and primary songwriter Euan Manning. “In the early years, it often felt like we were still searching for ourselves as a band and trying out different things. This album, on the other hand, feels a bit more cohesive and self-assured.”
photo by Ariane KiksCardinals’ live shows thrive on tension, dynamic shifts, and unvarnished sweat—making an intimate, legendary venue like Frannz Club the perfect room to catch them up close before they take off for bigger stages. Do not sleep on tickets; this is guaranteed to be one of those autumn gigs people talk about long after the house lights come up.
Cardinals @cardinalsband
Date: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Venue: Frannz Club, Schönhauser Allee 36, 10435 Berlin
Tickets: €24 (plus fees) via eventim.de
More Info: cardinals.band
