Their best record yet? Certainly the top contender for album title of the year!
You must have heard of Colchester four-piece Pet Needs – I reviewed their acoustic album ‘Kind Of Acoustic’ back in January 2025, and now they are back with their fourth studio album ‘Elbows Out! This Is Capitalism’ releasing on 27th March 2026 via Xtra Mile Recordings. It was recorded by George Perks (Enter Shikari, You Me At Six, Mogwai, Skindred) and consists of 16 tracks.
The album was written throughout 2025 which was a very busy year for the band. They had headline tours, support tours, and festivals all across the UK, US, and Europe. The album features guest appearances by CJ Ramone, legendary auctioneer Erik Olson, and friends The Whops and Jess Guise, whose interludes help the story develop.
Vocalist Johnny Marriott explains: “There has to be a reason why people continue to pursue creative careers when on paper the industry is built to break them. The power of the present – the writing, the shows, and the human connection – supersedes it all. Being a musician right now is an act of defiance. Even with artificial intelligence and late capitalism doing everything they can to force our hands, we won’t stop. We wanted to make an album that people would love to listen to all the way through, so we decided to tell a story. Each member brought their own flair to this record. It feels vital. We’re really proud of it.”
Pet Needs are:
Johnny Marriott – Lead vocals
George Marriott – Guitar
Ryan Sharman – Bass
Jack Lock – Drums
The band are based in Colchester, UK and were formed back in 2016 by brothers Johnny and George Marriott. Pet Needs released the first single from this new album, ‘Hey You Hey You (Are You Are You OK OK?)’, on 23rd January 2026.
They state that the song is “An anthem for people skydiving with a dodgy second-hand parachute. A reflection on punk rock hypocrisy in an attempt to appeal to the masses. Neatly packaged with an earworm chorus, screamed backing vocals and huge guitars.” They continue, sharing, “We’ve just begun road-testing this tune and it’s a beast live. We’re fiercely independent and ready to make a visceral impact. It begins now! We shot the video as four continuous one shots with lots of failed attempts and a hell of a lot of luck!”
They released second single ‘Ducklings’ on 20th February 2026:
Their latest single ‘Tour Worn’ was released on 20th March 2026, just one week before the album drops:
Pet Needs are a band I absolutely enjoy! Full of party anthems and some heavier moments, the album is their best one yet in my opinion! Catchy, melodic, and lots of punk rock defiance all mixed with reflective moments and a little rap in some tracks, some of which remind me a little bit of Riskee & The Ridicule. The band include some sound effects and recordings in a few tracks, including a recording of a phone call between CJ Ramone and Johnny. It’s unique, passionate, and full of emotion and truth. It’s another album I will be listening to on repeat for sure! So many bangers that get you up and dancing! And of course, much reflection and truth that gets you thinking.
Go check out this awesome album when it’s released, you won’t regret it! Pre-save and pre-order Elbows Out! This Is Capitalism’ HERE – and if you do so via Pet Needs‘ official merch store before 30th March, you could WIN a custom guitar from George!
Main Photo Credit: Vanessa Söllner
- The Auctioneer
- Tour Worn
- Hey You Hey You (Are You Are You OK OK)
- Ducklings
- Some Advice
- The Wardrobe Song
- Party With a Hard T
- Pixels
- Listening
- Top Score
- The Ship Is Still Sinking
- Paintballs
- Keep Eyes On
- Vertical
- A Great Deal
- Can We Get This Straight
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I’ve been going to gigs since I was 18 years old, and have loved them ever since. They are my second home. I enjoy discovering new bands, meeting punks of different ages, and learning more about the scene. I sing, play guitar, and learning the drums. Punk for life!
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