The Molotovs have announced their second album, ‘Welcome To Urbia’ – listen to new single ‘Urbia’ below.

The London punk duo – comprising teenage Cartlidge siblings Issey (bass/vocals) and Mathew (guitar/vocals) – will release the record on April 9, 2027 (pre-order here). It’ll follow on from their UK Number Three debut, ‘Wasted On Youth’, which arrived this January.

According to a press release, the huge song ‘Urbia’ ushers in “the second phase of the band”. It was recorded at the famous Konk Studios in north London, founded by The Kinks, and produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, The Kooks, M83, Belle & Sebastian).

“When I wrote it, it just immediately felt like something different and was steering in the direction that I wanted to go for this next album. I really wanted to shake it up,” explained Mathew.

“My influences have also broadened, the more we played. When we went into the studio, I’d only recently written it so it was all pretty fresh – it’s got a real energy.”

Issey added: “It really blossoms. It’s quite moody and driving, quite industrial, and then you get to the chorus that kind of opens up. It’s sweet.”

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‘Urbia’ is a statement of intent for The Molotovs, who were inspired by the towns they’ve visited during their relentless touring schedule – with almost 700 shows under their belt in the last five years.

They have been playing the song live at recent shows, prior to its official release today (Friday September 4).

A tracklist for the upcoming ‘Welcome To Urbia’ has not yet been revealed.

The group are currently out on a UK and Ireland headline tour, which includes two shows at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London later this month. See the full schedule and find any remaining tickets here.

Later this year, The Molotovs will support Razorlight on their ‘America’ 20th anniversary UK and Ireland tour.

Speaking to NME about ‘Wasted On Youth’ at the start of this year, Mathew explained: “The album is a bit of a youth manifesto. An attitude of the youth, and it’s trying to inspire young people to change their environment.

“I can only write about what I see in my environment. I can’t write about Mars like David Bowie. I’m not that imaginative yet, or maybe the drugs haven’t come yet.”

The Molotovs. CREDIT: Nick Benoy

As for the duo’s approach to getting out on the road, he said: “On tour, I obviously go to the big cities and [also] the rural places and seaside towns – Blackpool, Skegness, all the rest of it. A lot of these places have been neglected, and that’s a real shame.

“But as much as it’s up to governments to sort that out, it’s also up to people to restore hope.”

He continued: “Every generation thinks the one coming after them is doomed, and we’ve got to prove them wrong. We can make change, and you’ve got to start locally with your environment. If there’s not any hope, there’s no chance.”

Meanwhile, The Molotovs opened King’s Cross Summer Sounds series in London last month with a free, David Bowie-inspired show.

The post The Molotovs announce second album ‘Welcome To Urbia’ with “moody and driving” single ‘Urbia’ appeared first on NME.