The Molotovs announce second album Welcome To Urbia and single

The Molotovs have announced their second studio album, Welcome To Urbia, which is scheduled for release on April 9, 2027. The announcement is accompanied by the release of the lead single "Urbia," a track the band describes as the start of their "second phase." The London-based punk duo consists of teenage siblings Issey Cartlidge, who handles bass and vocals, and Mathew Cartlidge, who performs guitar and vocals.

This upcoming record follows the success of their debut album, Wasted On Youth, which reached Number Three on the UK charts after its release in January. Like other recent industry reveals, such as when Kali Malone Announces New Album Burning Song and Lead Single, the new material signals a shift in creative direction. The single "Urbia" was recorded at Konk Studios in north London, the facility founded by The Kinks. It was produced by Tony Hoffer, whose previous credits include work with Beck, The Kooks, M83, and Belle & Sebastian.

Mathew Cartlidge explained that the song felt different during the writing process and was intended to shake up the band's sound as his musical influences broadened. Issey Cartlidge described the track as "moody and driving" with an industrial feel that opens up into a "sweet" chorus. The themes of the album were influenced by the towns the duo visited during a rigorous touring schedule that has seen them perform nearly 700 shows over the last five years.

The Molotovs are currently on a headline tour of the UK and Ireland, similar to the schedule seen when Kneecap Announce 2026 World Tour and UK/Ireland Dates. Their current run includes two performances at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London later this month, following a David Bowie-inspired show that opened the King’s Cross Summer Sounds series. Later this year, the duo will support Razorlight on the "America" 20th anniversary tour.

The new single "Urbia" was released on Friday, September 4, and the full album is available for pre-order now. The duo’s debut was described by Mathew Cartlidge as a "youth manifesto" intended to inspire young people to change their local environments. He noted that his writing is heavily influenced by his surroundings in big cities and seaside towns, emphasizing that individuals must work to restore hope within their own communities.