After three long years, CQ Wrestling (formerly known as Chappaqua Wrestling) are back with the release of their second album, Resistance. What stands out about CQ Wrestling is their consistent delivery of a rich, dreamy blend of indie rock.
After the release of their debut album, Plus Ultra, in 2023, it was intriguing to see what path the duo would take with their sophomore album, Resistance. During their three-year break, CQ Wrestling have matured, found their sound, and created an album that proves great music is worth the wait.
The title suggests that the album’s eleven tracks will explore society and the current state of the world in greater depth. As Resistance progresses, it becomes apparent that there is far more being discussed here. Following the passing of vocalist Jake Mac’s father, the band felt compelled to keep pushing forward and creating in his honour. It also marked a turning point, as they freed themselves from the constraints of labels and developed a bolder, more driven sound, reborn through the new name.
When the grungy bass of ‘Pacifico’ kicks in, it is clear that, much like Plus Ultra, this album is equally captivating. Each track carries its own identity, and while no two songs are the same, they flow calmly into one another throughout Resistance.
What really stood out to me is how you can pick out each individual instrument in every track, yet they still come together seamlessly as a whole. ‘HEALTH+’ highlights this immaculately. I thoroughly enjoy the blend between the low male vocals and the high female vocals; the contrast works incredibly well, creating a euphoric melody. The track shifts smoothly between shimmering indie textures and heavier rock influences, supporting what Guitar previously stated about this duo, describing them as a “Genre-hopping indie band leaping into the unknown.”
CQ Wrestling have a real talent for creating irresistible, infectious hooks. Another track that demonstrates these glistening melodies is one of the album’s standouts, ‘Shine Not Burn (Under the Sun),’ which features synths in the chorus that I can only describe as brain-tickling in the best way possible. The track stands out not only for its instrumentation, but also for its lyrics. Grief is a difficult emotion to put into words, yet somehow the lyrics capture it beautifully. “How could you leave me here”, and “I’ve been on my own for weeks, I’ll be on my own for years” showcase a vulnerability that should not be taken for granted, and the way CQ Wrestling allow listeners to sit with those emotions is admirable.
‘Finish Line’ is one of those songs you can picture blowing the roof off a venue when being played live. The incredible steady build-up of CQ Wrestling’s striking sound, mixed with the raw emotional lyrics that explores the idea of that life is more about the journey than the destination – or the “Finish Line” – raising the question of what really is there after this all fades?.
It is refreshing, at a time when the world feels as though it is burning to the ground, to know that there is music capable of capturing that feeling and transforming it into motivation to keep pushing forward and standing up for what is right.
‘Smoke Screen’ explores heavier political themes while maintaining a tense build-up, which is why this gritty track helps establish the album’s driving tone. Lyrics such as “you sanitise the words we write,” “the weight on my mind,” and “you know it’s just a smoke screen” all point towards a society being misled and a reality that is being manipulated. Combined with how Jake Mac’s vocals become progressively more urgent as the song advances, it almost feels as though he is pleading for people to wake up: “Can’t you see it’s just a smoke screen?”
Overall, Resistance not only marks a confident return for CQ Wrestling but also establishes them as a band unafraid to experiment, evolve, and confront the realities shaping the modern world.
CQ Wrestling: Resistance – Out 22 May 2026 (Truth Records)
Wrestling – Smoke Screen (Official Video)
