Originally a one-off project from singer/songwriters Richard Davies and Eric Matthews, Cardinal came together in 1994 following ex-Moles frontman Davies' relocation from his native Australia to the U.S.; he wrote and sang all but one of the songs that comprised Cardinal's self-titled debut, while Matthews arranged the compositions, layering them with ornate strings, horns, and pianos inspired by the lush, baroque sounds of late-'60s pop. While Cardinal was released to great acclaim, internal strife quickly split the duo apart, and both Davies and Matthews embarked on solo careers. An unlikely reunion in 2011 produced their sophomore follow-up, Hymns. ~ Jason Ankeny