King Cardinal’s New Album a Daring Flight of Fantasy

It’s difficult to exactly define King Cardinal’s sound. While there are definitely elements of delicate Americana, courtesy of the band’s swoon and sway, there are also more atmospheric elements that come into play as well, all brought to the fore through their hushed harmonies and a kind of wistful repose. Their first full-length outing, Great Lakes, contains songs that tend to drift with a casual nonchalance and define themselves through a decidedly delicate stance. Certain tracks, such as “Holy,” “Trouble,” “Standing Down,” and “Boulder,” find contemplation taking precedence, and the space between notes is almost as important as the music that makes up the melodies. Consequently, many of the songs coalesce unexpectedly, a choral cadence and cascade that can gradually morph into a resilient refrain. That’s the case with “Organ” and “Chicago,” two of the most memorable songs of the set.

Still, despite a pair of previous EPs, it’s still too early to get a firm grasp on King Cardinal’s MO. While it’s lush, daring, and out of the norm, the Denver-based band may need to focus on a more determined direction to give potential listeners a ready frame of reference. On the other hand, there’s enough intrigue within these grooves to convince a more adventurous admirer to undertake a series of subsequent encounters. With patience and persistence, the allure of King Cardinal quickly becomes clear.