International blues/rock power trio, THE CARDS have officially released their debut album on CD and all digital platforms worldwide. Featuring British guitarist Paul Quinn (original, founding member of Saxon), ex-Doro and U.D.O. keyboardist Harrison Young on vocals, bass, & keyboards, and Dutch drummer Koen Herfst (of Armin van Buuren), the album includes 11 original songs ranging from hard rock to classic rock to old school dirty blues. It can be streamed, downloaded, or ordered on CD in standard and limited editions at http://www.thecardsofficial.com.

The album was mixed and mastered by legendary guitarist and producer Dan Swanö who had this to say regarding the album’s varying styles: “It was a blast to mix this kind of music and to use my sonic tools for the style of music that was around when some of them were invented.” On getting the chance to work with Paul Quinn, Swanö said, “Also cool to realize, ‘Wow, that riff has a bit of that vintage, epic Saxon feel…’ only to realize – hey – it’s Paul Quinn from Saxon playing that riff, [which] he most likely also wrote!”

Cover Artwork By: Sophia Den Breems

When asked about the formation of the band itself, Quinn had this to say: “My lady put her cards on the table and asked my friend Harrison if he could help me get my bluesy tunes from my head to completion. I admired his multi-instrumental abilities and added my own to the mix. It was completely organic, unforced joy to write together. Harrison had done a lot of playing with Koen so we were already fans of his ‘fire’ and explosive talent as a drummer, coupled with serious laid back grooves. Then we found we were all three comedians and decided we are ‘cards,’ so therefore, we’re The Cards.”

On the other members of the group, Swanö agrees, “Harrison and Koen also do an amazing job on this record. The vocals are incredibly soulful and I am sure Harrison will receive some ‘hey, you wanna be our new singer’ phone calls. And Koen proves he is a full on mega drummer, not just a metal master monster!”

On a recent radio broadcast, Young went on the record saying “Sometimes I have to pinch myself and think – wow – to be in a band with Paul is such a special opportunity, to not only be able to reach out and touch rock and roll history but to interact with it as well. To receive riffs from such a legendary riff maker with the chance to build songs around them is a total thrill.”

The eponymous debut album from The Cards is now available on Spotify, iTunes, all other online retailers, and at the band’s official website, http://www.thecardsofficial.com, where CDs can be purchased in standard, limited, and special limited edition formats. Upcoming European tour and festival dates will be announced soon.

You can find a video teaser for the album here:

The album can be ordered on CD directly here: https://thecardsofficial.bandcamp.com/releases