Brighton duo CQ Wrestling have unveiled their powerful new single Finish Line, the latest preview of their forthcoming second album Resistance, due for release on 22nd May.
CQ Wrestling
Following the punchy, riff-driven lead single Pacifico, Finish Line reveals a more expansive and emotive side to the band’s evolving sound. Built on swelling guitar textures and a patient, atmospheric build, the track explores themes of loss, resilience and living without fear. Written in the aftermath of personal tragedy, it reflects a band grappling with grief while searching for meaning and forward momentum.
At the heart of Resistance lies a period of upheaval for the band — a time that saw both creative doubt and profound personal loss reshape their outlook. Once riding high on the success of their debut as Chappaqua Wrestling, the duo found themselves questioning their direction despite sold-out shows and growing acclaim. The sudden loss of a close family member brought everything into sharp focus, ultimately fuelling a reinvention both musically and personally.
The result is an album rooted in perseverance. Resistance channels the chaos of recent years into something cathartic and purposeful, with the band doubling down on their commitment to authenticity and emotional honesty. It’s a record shaped by hardship, but driven by a determination to find hope and joy amid darker times.
With new material on the horizon, CQ Wrestling are set to take their revitalised sound on the road with an extensive UK headline tour spanning spring and autumn. And with Finish Line offering a poignant glimpse into Resistance, CQ Wrestling appear poised to enter a bold new phase — one defined not just by sonic ambition, but by hard-earned perspective.
UK Live Dates 2026:
APRIL
25th – Brighton, Concorde 2 (Beautiful Ones Festival)
MAY
27th – York, The Crescent
28th – Guildford, The Boileroom
29th – Norwich, Waterfront Studio
30th – Exeter, The 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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