PHOTOS: Cardiacs – Albert Hall, Manchester – 12/03/2026

For a band for whom critical consensus has fluctuated wildly over the decades, fans of Cardiacs seem to love them. Like, really love them. Not for no reason either, as they’ve infiltrated art-rock, prog, punk, psychedelic rock and avant-garde sounds over the decades, rarely staying still on any front. It’s no wonder, then, that their influence has reached everyone from Blur to Napalm Death to Marillion, and that’s far from exhaustive in terms of the distance it goes.

Yes, Cardiacs are something of a favourite band’s favourite band, and you really feel that in their presence. Last year, they released LSD, their first full-length since 1999, and to see them arrive at Manchester’s Albert Hall to celebrate it—no support act, for a two-hour set—does feel pretty noteworthy. With a sprawling lineup (now including Oceansize / Biffy Clyro / Empire State Bastard wunderkind Mike Vennart) and a deep bench of material explored, Cardiacs deliver the kind of show that, if you’re in the know, you don’t want to miss, under any circumstances. Maryleen headed down to catch the entire thing.

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Photos by Maryleen (Instagram / Website)