Brighton-based duo CQ Wrestling have unveiled their sophomore album, Resistance, set for release on May 22, 2026, alongside its lead single, “Pacifico”. The band will showcase new material this week during SXSW before heading out on a spring UK headline tour.
Resistance represents a pivotal moment for Jake Mac and Charlie Woods, who have navigated personal tragedy and creative upheaval since their debut album. The record reflects the duo’s journey from early acclaim under the name Chappaqua Wrestling to a period of grief and introspection following the death of Mac’s father, a foundational figure in the band’s early career.
Commenting on the single, the duo said, “We’ve faced every challenge imaginable – grief, canceled tours, and the stop-and-start nature of modern life as artists – but we’ll never quit. ‘Pacifico’ represents our journey, a declaration of how music and friendship have been our own act of Resistance. It’s our way of carving a path forward.”
On the album as a whole, CQ Wrestling adds, “Resistance is about discovering hope and joy amid difficult times. Over the past two years of writing and recording, we’ve battled the hardships of the modern world, personal loss, and the pressures of being musicians. This collection is a testament to keeping faith, pursuing joy, and continuing to fight through dark moments.”
The band’s spring UK tour kicks off shortly after SXSW, with headline dates including:
March 14 – SXSW: Liift Showcase, Seven Grand
March 16 – SXSW: Rocknite, Hotel Vegas
March 18 – SXSW: BME, Two Palm
April 25 – Beautiful Ones Festival, Concorde 2, Brighton, UK
May 27 – The Crescent, York, UK
May 28 – Boileroom, Guildford, UK
May 29 – Waterfront Studio, Norwich, UK
May 30 – Cavern, Exeter, UK
June 2 – Rough Trade, Bristol, UK
June 5 – Sidney & Matilda, Sheffield, UK
June 6 – Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, UK
June 10 – Cluny 2, Newcastle, UK
June 11 – Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham, UK
June 12 – Polar Bear, Hull, UK
June 13 – Rough Trade, Liverpool, UK
October 21 – The Dome, London, UK
October 22 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK
October 26 – G2, Glasgow, UK
October 27 – Yes (Pink Room), Manchester, UK
October 29 – Bodega, Nottingham, UK
Tickets for all dates are available via the band’s official tour page.
Featured photograph credit: The Buffacow
Listen to “Pacifico” or pre-order the new album Resistance:
Follow CQ Wrestling on social media:
