The Tubs to Release Third Album Hard Life on 11 September 2026
The Welsh indie‑rock outfit The Tubs is set to unleash their third studio effort, Hard Life, on 11 September 2026 through Merge Records. The announcement follows the band’s recent single “Stoop To Me,” which debuted with a music video that captures the group’s signature blend of punchy hooks and folk flourishes.
Formed in Cardiff in 2018, The Tubs have carved out a niche for themselves with a steady stream of tuneful jangle‑pop that balances earnest lyricism with bright, jangling guitars. Their debut, Dead Meat (2019), and sophomore release, Cotton Crown (2022), arrived on independent labels and helped the band build a dedicated following. Earlier this year, the group signed with Merge, an American independent powerhouse founded in 1989 that has a long track record of nurturing indie acts into critical and commercial success.
“Stoop To Me” is the most overtly power‑pop track The Tubs have produced to date. The song opens with a driving guitar riff and layers in Celtic‑inspired fiddle lines that give the arrangement a “cider‑drunk” swagger. Frontman Owen Williams has explained that the track nods to Bob Mould’s style and is written from the viewpoint of a “demented cuckold” who pivots his narrative in the chorus. The single follows the earlier release “Who’s Gonna Love You Now,” which The Fire Note highlighted as a strong lead for the forthcoming album.
Director Kit Harwood shot the “Stoop To Me” video, a piece that juxtaposes high‑energy performance footage with a loose narrative thread. Harwood’s work often balances kinetic imagery with storytelling, and the clip—now available on the band’s official channels—mirrors the song’s fusion of power‑pop drive and folk instrumentation.
Hard Life will hit shelves on 11 September 2026 and will be available in both digital and physical formats, including a vinyl LP. Merge’s catalogue number for the release is MRG890CD. The tracklist, as disclosed by Lyrics FA, includes the title track “Hard Life,” the two singles, and additional songs that maintain the band’s hallmark of melodic hooks paired with introspective lyricism.
The move to Merge and the launch of Hard Life signal a pivotal moment for The Tubs, positioning them alongside other Merge artists who have achieved chart success while preserving an indie ethos. The album’s release will be supported by a series of promotional activities, including a UK and US tour and appearances on radio and streaming platforms.
At this time, the band has not yet announced specific tour dates or additional singles beyond “Stoop To Me.” Industry observers will likely keep an eye on Merge’s promotional schedule for further details.
With Hard Life set for release on 11 September 2026, The Tubs are poised to expand their sound while staying true to the jangle‑pop tradition that first defined them.
