Kicking off the Welcome To The Valencia tour – named after a recent three-song EP – in Omaha, before moving on to Los Angeles and Nashville, when Cardinal Black returned to the UK the finale had to be on home turf in Wales. And where better than Cardiff’s Tramshed?
These soul-leaning hard rockers, comprising lead vocalist Tom Hollister, guitarist Chris Buck, drummer Adam Roberts, bassist Sam Williams, backing singer Tay Cousins and keyboard player Greg Hollister, had sold out the venue weeks in advance. The evening began with an acoustic set from Pontypridd singer-songwriter and self-professed sheep shearer Tom Jenkins. Next to the stage were The Rogues from Newport – indie meets rock’n’roll in a young band oozing with talent and warming up The Tramshed crowd on a chilly January night.

Then, the lights dim, and from stage left, a relaxed and comfortable looking Cardinal Black walk onto the stage, waving and smiling as the crowd applaud and cheer the bands arrival. Hollister’s soulful voice fills the venue, whilst the mesmerising sounds of Buck’s unique guitar style soothes and excites the audience.

The evening continues with classic Cardinal Black sounds: from soulful rock numbers like Rise Up and Terra Firma to favourites such as Warm Love and Tell Me How It Feels. There’s crowd participation on every song, and it feels like this is only the beginning for Cardinal Black. With their fanbase seemingly growing daily, I for one can’t wait to see them next time on their stadium tour…
Cardinal Black, The Rogues + Tom Jenkins, Tramshed, Cardiff, Sat 18 Jan
words and photos ANTHONY CONWAY