Main Drag Music has an unintimidating atmosphere. Entering a brightly lit instrument sale and repair store was a treat before climbing down to the venue, essentially a multi-dimensional basement with plants lining a DJ booth across from a stage. It is a little tight, but it makes the venue feel more communal. The crowd filled the balcony, peered from the stair railings, and inched up close in the pit to see Irish alternative rock band Cardinals, joined by Smush to open the night.
Smush, the Brooklyn-based shoegaze band, came together from various geographical roots but have found a connection that has prompted successful releases and DIY tours. Emily Borrowman, lead singer and bassist, wasted no time making the room feel welcome. “Thank you for coming! We’re Smush and I’m really excited to be supporting Cardinals tonight.” She had a Blade 3 sticker on her bass while Atley King, guitarist, rocked a dangling charm on his electric guitar. The four-piece showed their own individualistic personalities, a natural fit to draw in the already growing crowd. Having released a debut album two years ago and an EP last winter, they played 45 minutes of songs to get the crowd pumped up.
Later, Cardinals were met with an eager and considerably niche but diverse fan base. The Cork, Ireland alternative rock band recently dropped their debut album Masquerade in February and have been pretty much on and off the road since. They add their own thing to the indie space, with accordion woven naturally into the mix. Euan Manning, lead singer and guitarist, rocked out in a hoodie for the entire set, while Kieran Hurley and Oskar Gudinovic brought necessary spirit with their guitar playing alongside Aaron Hurley on bass. Finn Manning shifted from tambourine to accordion, cross-legged in a blue tracksuit and shades, playing to the rhythm of each song with the kind of essence most people spend years trying to exude.
Cardinals were covered in drowned red and strobing white lights. The nearly hour-long set was heavy in volume, making you feel the vibrations from the speakers. “Barbed Wire” was a memorable track, carrying a distinctly eccentric character. Manning was in tune with his energy, taking moments to let the music breathe, squatting down or walking through the haze of the stage. The crowd wanted an encore but Cardinals stayed after to chat with fans, which felt genuine for a band passing through New York. Cardinals have a lightly dark yet playful sound that translates well live, and Main Drag Music celebrated it.
Words and photography by BellaJoli Gedeon
Cardinals at Main Drag Music Brooklyn, NY May 8 2026 photograph by BellaJoli Gedeon
order tickets for Cardinals HERE