The Tubs’ Inner Scold Takes the Mic on “Who’s Gonna Love You Now?”

The Tubs announced their Merge signing earlier this year with a jangle-pop cover of Metallica’s “Fade to Black,” which told you most of what you need to know about who they are. Now Owen Williams, Dan Lucas, Taylor Stewart, and Max Warren follow it with “Who’s Gonna Love You Now?,” the lead single from Hard Life, their first proper album for the label, out September 11.

The song introduces a second persona on the record alongside the familiar Tubs voice Williams has been honing across Cotton Crown and Dead Meat: a scold, steelier and less patient, who harangues the first Owen for his self-indulgence and romantic idealism. He asks pointed questions. He has concerns about the rent. He is not impressed by plans to move to the city and really start living. Williams calls it a Northern Soul and Royal Headache-influenced pop number with organs, and despite the lecture, it is an absolute raver.

These two voices argue, merge, and break apart across Hard Life, the album Williams describes as mostly just pop songs. Exquisite, irresistible pop songs. A North American headline tour runs October through November. Pre-order below.

Pre-order Hard Life ↗

1“Hard Life”

2“Who’s Gonna Love You Now?”

3“If You Don’t Love Me”

4“Stoop to Me”

5“Heaven or London”

6“Didn’t I Say?”

7“Do Yourself a Favor”

8“Now and Then”

9“The Way It Goes”

10“Hell”

11“In Your Place”

12“As Long as You Leave”