About Release
Cardinal & Nun – SCARS LP LIES-217 is the latest double-12-inch offering from L.I.E.S., arriving on 4 December 2026. The French duo returns with a twelve-track set that blends synth-driven pop beats, darkwave atmospheres and new-wave hooks, positioning the record squarely in the label’s forward-thinking electronic catalogue.
Within L.I.E.S.’ 2026 roster, SCARS follows the earlier releases of Mark Grusane’s “ANGRY BIRDS” (LIES-226) and Mick Harris’ “CULVERT DUB SESSION SEVEN” (LIES-219), while sharing its release day with Interchain’s “IN MY APARTMENT” (LIES-231). The placement among these diverse outings underscores the label’s commitment to genre-bending dance music, and Cardinal & Nun’s contribution adds a distinctly gothic synth-pop flavor to the mix.
Side A opens with “all the nights”, a track that immediately sets a nocturnal tone, its title suggesting a lingering, midnight-hour vibe that dovetails into “going crazy”, a continuation of the restless energy. “stay real” rounds out the side, offering a brief, resolute statement that bridges the A-side’s kinetic pulse to the darker textures awaiting on the B-side.
The B-side’s lead, “it doesnt change the world”, features Andrew Clinco of Drab Majesty and, according to the label, delivers a down-trodden, bass-driven shoegaze ambience with Clinco’s signature vocal imprint. The subsequent title track “scars” moves into bright new-wave pop territory, pairing an extremely catchy melodic hook with moody vocal fragments that linger beyond the groove. “what a beautiful day short version” offers a concise, uplifting interlude that contrasts with the surrounding darkness.
Side C continues the journey with “enfin le soleil”, a title that hints at a sunrise motif, providing a subtle lift before “nervious” (presumably “nervous”) injects a jittery tension, which then resolves into the incendiary “on fire”. The final side begins with “let me shine”, a declaration of confidence that segues into “runaway”, a track that feels like an escape-driven climax, before closing with “the carpathian castle”, a lingering, atmospheric piece that evokes distant, gothic architecture.
In the context of Cardinal & Nun’s output, SCARS represents a sharpened focus on darkwave-inflected synth-pop, echoing the duo’s earlier French-rooted productions while embracing the broader L.I.E.S. aesthetic. The record’s blend of dancefloor drive and moody lyricism situates it among contemporary underground releases that balance club potency with introspective songwriting.
For DJs, the record offers multiple entry points: the A-side tracks provide rhythmic momentum for early-set building, the B-side’s “it doesnt change the world” supplies a deeper, shoegaze-laden texture suitable for late-night transitions, while “scars” works as a hook-laden peak-time anthem. Collectors will appreciate the cohesive sequencing across the four sides and the guest appearance by Clinco, which adds a cross-label allure.
The release arrives as a 2×12-inch vinyl set, preserving the analog warmth essential to the record’s darkwave and synth-pop sensibilities.
Cardinal & Nun – SCARS LP, L.I.E.S. LIES-217, 2×12″ vinyl, twelve tracks, synth, pop beats, new wave beats, 2026-12-04.
Tracklist:
A1. Cardinal & Nun – all the nights
A2. Cardinal & Nun – going crazy
A3. Cardinal & Nun – stay real
B1. Cardinal & Nun – it doesnt change the world
B2. Cardinal & Nun – scars
B3. Cardinal & Nun – what a beautiful day short version
C1. Cardinal & Nun – enfin le soleil
C2. Cardinal & Nun – nervious
C3. Cardinal & Nun – on fire
D1. Cardinal & Nun – let me shine
D2. Cardinal & Nun – runaway
D3. Cardinal & Nun – the carpathian castle