The last Saturday of November saw Cardinal Black – Welsh-born Tom Hollister (vocals), Chris Buck (guitar), Adam Roberts (drums) and Sam Williams (bass) – perform their second sell-out show of the weekend at Crumlin rock pub The Patriot.
Breaking onto the music scene with their debut single Tell Me How It Feels in May 2021, it was less than 24 hours after its release before the track had toppled Noel Gallagher from the #1 spot in the iTunes Rock Singles Chart. Two months later, it took under 12 hours for their debut four-song EP to take the #1 spot on both the iTunes rock album chart and Amazon Rock Best Sellers Chart. The band previously supported Those Damn Crows at a sell-out Cardiff Castle show and are about to go on tour in December, supporting Myles Kennedy across the UK.
With a setlist containing just eight songs plus two encores, the audience recognised most of what the band played from their four-track EP, singing along and interacting as one, enjoying every single moment. Opening with new song Run, followed by ballad Red and EP selection Jump In, the Patriot audience engaged with the soulful grooves, and with the venue doors wide open, the night air was filled by the enchanting sound of a Chris Buck guitar solo. The deep, soulful voice of Hollister, meanwhile, can be compared with other artists of this genre, but to me, his vocal stands out from the crowd and sounds unique.
All in all, a superb evening’s entertainment: with the post-lockdown feel-good factor present and correct, Warm Love was felt by everyone in The Patriot, the Valleys and beyond.
The Patriot, Crumlin, Sat 27 Nov
words and photos ANTHONY CONWAY
