In November of 2023, I learned about the English band Cardiacs and it was a profound and life-changing experience. I’ve written about that discovery at talkhouse.com, and that experience has evolved as I’ve learned more about the band and their music.
Earlier this year, Melodic Virtue (RIP) published their final book, which was about the band. A tremendous piece of art in itself, it filled-in some historical information for me, but it really expressed the impact this band has had on people. I knew I wasn’t the only one that was affected deeply by them, but seeing this sentiment being resonated through so many made me realize that there was something more to it than just the music itself. I did an interview with the book’s publisher, Aaron Tanner, and musician Rob Crow (also at talkhouse.com) and we talked about that. Like, what is it about this band? I don’t think I’ve experienced anything like it. We, and others, have even commented that there is an almost religious or cult-like sense about the music.
Most people understand that a life in music isn’t easy. If you’re trying to make a living by it, chances are slim. And even if you do, there are no guarantees how long it will last. Tim Smith of Cardiacs seemed to go all in, in ways that many don’t. There’s a sense of determination even in his music, a determination to express his ideas, his antagonism, his humor, and his unique compositional skill and writing. But when you look at the whole story — the evolution of the band and its members, building their own business around the work to keep their standards high at the sacrifice of market reach, in addition to his eventual health struggles, it’s surprising that I’m even writing about them now. After all, I spent most of my life having never heard them, and I know there are many, many others who haven’t as well. Regardless, Tim Smith believed in what he was doing, and that’s the thing I think we were trying to identify, that’s what makes their work such a profound experience. He believed in it with all he had. And from the first time I heard them, I, too, was totally convinced.