Brighton duo CQ Wrestling have announced their sophomore album Resistance, set for release on 22nd May, alongside the unveiling of its powerful lead single Pacifico.
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CQ Wrestling (The Buffacow)
The record marks a pivotal moment for the band, who previously performed under the name Chappaqua Wrestling. Formed by Jake Mac and Charlie Woods, the project first gained attention with their debut album Plus Ultra, which established them as one of the UK’s most exciting emerging guitar acts.
However, the period following that success proved turbulent. Behind the scenes, the pair faced a difficult stretch marked by personal grief and uncertainty about the band’s future. The sudden loss of Mac’s father — who had been closely involved in the project since its earliest days — prompted a period of reflection that ultimately reshaped both the band and their music.
The result is Resistance, an album forged from upheaval but driven by determination and creative renewal. According to the band, the record captures their attempt to find moments of hope and joy amid darker times.
Lead single Pacifico acts as a statement of intent for this new era. Blending the duo’s signature high-energy sound with themes of perseverance and transformation, the track reflects the journey they have taken over the past few years.
Speaking about the single, the band explained: “As a band, we’ve been through every obstacle going; grief, covid destroying releases and tours, the stop button being forced on — probably everything you could imagine to see a band collapse. But we’ll never stop. Pacifico epitomises the journey we’ve been on and what it means to have music and friendship as our own act of resistance.”
They add that the album was shaped during a difficult two-year writing and recording process, during which the band nearly disbanded. Instead, the experience strengthened their resolve to continue creating music together.
The release arrives as CQ Wrestling prepare for a busy year on the road. The duo will make several appearances at SXSW in Austin before returning to the UK for a run of headline shows throughout spring and autumn.
Upcoming UK Live Dates:
APRIL
25th – Brighton – Concorde 2 (Beautiful Ones Festival)
MAY
27th – York – The Crescent
28th – Guildford – Boileroom
29th – Norwich – Waterfront Studio
30th – Exeter – Cavern
JUNE
2nd – Bristol – Rough Trade
5th – Sheffield – Sidney & Matilda
6th – Edinburgh – Cabaret Voltaire
10th – Newcastle – Cluny 2
11th – Birmingham – Sunflower Lounge
12th – Hull – Polar Bear
13th – Liverpool – Rough Trade
OCTOBER
21st – London – The Dome
22nd – Leeds – Brudenell Social Club
26th – Glasgow – G2
27th – Manchester – YES (Pink Room)
29th – Nottingham – Bodega
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