the Cardinals
Guelph, Ontario, Canada | Established. Jan 01, 1984
Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
The Cardinals are a four piece Guelph-based band with a 10-song CD entitled, Wake Up! Wake Up! All Ye Saints! Don't be confused by the front cover [cd now has a new more rockin' cover!]; because it doesn't seem to jive with this band's blend of classic '80s pop-rock sound, reminscent of Elvis Costello meets Squeeze, and its rootsy rock feel. It's different, yet familiar. Musicianship is first rate, thight with plenty of pitches and shifts to keep each song unique. Vocals and backing vocals have nice projection and are mastered up-front and centre. Song themes deal with life, love and humor. Production and engineering quality is smooth. Overall, a great recording... just don't judge this album by its cover. - by Karla Ingleton, The Record, Kitchener, Feb.16, 1996
Like a (sic) finding a favourite lost record, you don't realize how much you enjoy "the Cardinals" catchy guitar pop until you re-discover them at an out of the way tavern. Their sophomore release "Wake Up! Wake Up! All Ye Saints!" solves this. Guitarist/singer/songwriter Eugene Szponarski (this is why the choice of user friendly band name: the Cardinals) will be bent over on one knee changing delay settings, sliding his guitar on the mike stand as his boogie amp sings beautiful harmonic feedback. Then quickly he's back singing in this Elvis Costello-ish voice over a reggae beat and it's all so tight and clean. The songs are to the point, with catchy hooks and guitar riffs. At times power pop and a song or two later eclectic rock or a rowdy drinking song. - www.drog.com
Discography
Cupid's Dark Forest
Side Stations in Time
Wake Up! Wake Up! All Ye Saints!
Modulation City (cassette tape!)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Eugene Szponarski, singer-songwriter & guitarist for the Cardinals has been bringing musicians together to create and play his original music since the summer of 1984. The music and the lyrics have stood the test of time, and so, unwittingly, has the band name. "I've never been concerned with keeping up with the current trends or musical fashions. I've always listened to a wide range of music and I like to create songs that run the gamut from truthful and ironic to just plain raucous and fun."
Our new album Cupid's Dark Forest is in keeping with our ever changing style, subjects and musical landscapes. This latest collection has some rock, a little country and some soulful ballads, along with a blistering blues-funk driven instrumental - Exo Skeletano! Turn it up!!
Band Members
Links
