Cardinal
by Pinegrove
User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 49
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 49
  3. Negative: 3 out of 49
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. MrAnthead
    Feb 17, 2016
    10
    Cardinal is a very accessible album that features plenty of depth and lush instrumentation in their sound. The album gives off a sort of "nuanced" optimism that reveals some doubts to some of the main meanings to their songs. The singers voice blends in very well with the sort of style and instrumentation that each song features. Can't wait for more.
  2. dpjahnke
    Mar 9, 2016
    10
    The song-writing is pure, melodic, thoughtful and so true to young adult life in America today. The singer's voice brings to life the honesty in the songs and the band backs him up wonderfully. This is worth your investment if you like power pop that reflects both our struggle and glimmers of hope.
  3. Custom_Concerns
    Feb 20, 2016
    8
    Cardinal is a haphazard, erratic, stream-of-consciousness mental breakdown under the guise of a catchy, accessible indie rock/alt-country record. In 30 short minutes, Pinegrove delivered the best straightforward rock album of the year so far. The lead singer's emo-country twang fits the lo-fi crunch of the instrumentation perfectly, giving the album a fantastic sense of immediacy andCardinal is a haphazard, erratic, stream-of-consciousness mental breakdown under the guise of a catchy, accessible indie rock/alt-country record. In 30 short minutes, Pinegrove delivered the best straightforward rock album of the year so far. The lead singer's emo-country twang fits the lo-fi crunch of the instrumentation perfectly, giving the album a fantastic sense of immediacy and authenticity. When lo-fi production is done well, a record may sound more pure, as it were, and less unfinished. Cardinal sounds like a basement performance played with reckless abandon, and I say that in the best way possible. 2016 has been off to a rocky start, and this record is one of few that has me genuinely excited.

    85/100    … Expand
  4. NavyBean
    Sep 6, 2017
    10
    Holy Sasquitch! I love this band. The lyrics tug on each and every part of me that likes to be tugged and the dude's voice is amazing. I feel like he's singing directly to me. There may be a part of you that wants to classify Pinegrove as "emo" but that would be the dark, naughty part of you that is almost always covered by a bathing suit. I heard it once and liked it, I heard it thriceHoly Sasquitch! I love this band. The lyrics tug on each and every part of me that likes to be tugged and the dude's voice is amazing. I feel like he's singing directly to me. There may be a part of you that wants to classify Pinegrove as "emo" but that would be the dark, naughty part of you that is almost always covered by a bathing suit. I heard it once and liked it, I heard it thrice and started making out with it. We will never ever be apart again. I'm loving it in every way possible including the ways most modern religions frown upon.… Expand
  5. Zatharel
    Jun 9, 2016
    9
    A really really nice debut. Accessible to pretty much anyone, and all of the song lyrics are surprisingly honest. It may be rather short (only 30 minutes), but it certainly isn't forgettable. Excited to see how this band continues their journey.
  6. mahfoudhhannani
    Feb 18, 2016
    10
    I can't choose a standout song on this album, maybe Aphasia but still it's a really tough decision. The lead singer's voice is absolute perfection for this genre. It seems like the more I listen to this album the more I fall in love with it. !!!!!!شكرا

Awards & Rankings

44
#44 Best Album of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
84

Universal acclaim - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Kerrang!
    Jun 30, 2016
    80
    These eight tracks bind the smart emo of Brand New to the rootsy alt.country of a Bright Eyes or Ryan Adams, stroking nostalgia and tugging the heartstrings throughout. [2 Jul 2016, p.52]
  2. DIY Magazine
    Jun 30, 2016
    80
    What’s unique about Pinegrove is how they compress uncertainty, doubt and fear without being overbearing.
    Read full review
  3. Pretty Much Amazing
    Mar 18, 2016
    75
    There’s no flash here, just a finely crafted batch of searingly personal indie rock songs. Unless you never had to grow up, it will resonate.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »