Cardinal
Cardinal blended the talents of Oregonian Eric Matthews and Australian Richard Davies. The duo's only album is a glorious bit of romantic pop. Davies wrote and sang most of these songs, while Matthews created the lush orchestral settings and arrangements. The two musicians are perfectly matched, clearly spurring each other on to greater heights on this album. Strings, horns and keyboards are utilized with invention, surprise and confidence. Moody and melancholy, these 10 tracks ring of heartbreak and sadness, but all is tempered by hope. Though both men have created compelling and engaging works since they parted ways, this album remains a work of art that they have (to date) yet to equal.  Empyrean