Like a finding a favourite lost record, you don't realize how much you enjoy the Cardinals' catchy guitar pop until you rediscover 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 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.

Recorded at Presence Sound in Toronto in 94/95 "Wake Up..." contains 10 well thought out pop-rock songs. The introspective take on love of "You're Not The Same" rocks along hard with the comic irony of "Harry Little Life" and the angst of the last song "Mr. Patience". A moving ballad, "I will Always Remain", deals with the loss from broken relationships. Balanced in the middle is a rather live version of the Newfie classic, "Ise The Bye".

The Cardinals are Eugene Szponarski's (guitar & vocals) and Phil Bennett's (bass) creation and the two have been working together for more than 10 years. The present lineup sees long time drummer Mike Bush return and Molly Kurvink is a new addition as a co-writer and backing vocalist.