The Molotovs played their largest London headline show to date last night at the Electric Ballroom in Camden. The sibling-led trio, already enjoying a string of critically praised festival and club appearances this year, proved they were more than capable of handling the weight of expectation, delivering a high-energy performance that fused classic Mod revival urgency with contemporary rock attitude.
Frontman Mathew Cartlidge cut a restless figure, sharp in an Adam of London suit, moving across the stage with a gait that recalls the youthful zeal of a young Paul Weller. His sister and bassist, Issey Cartlidge, was equally magnetic, dressed iSolene Lescouet-designed Union Jack dress. Her playing was the propulsive engine of the set, maintaining a consistent, driving power beneath her brother’s brash guitar work.
They opened with "Urbia," a live debut that immediately struck a chord of aggressive confidence, quickly followed by the relentless riffing of "Newsflash." The band’s flair for an impactful cover was demonstrated early with a faithful and punchy rendition of David Bowie’s "Suffragette City," to the delight of the crowd.
Three-minute sonic blasts were delivered with precision. Tracks like "Today's Gonna Be Our Day" and "More More More" working the mosh pit, as the young and old members of the audience showed their appreciation. "Geraldine" showcased a melodic side, allowing Issey’s backing vocals to add texture to the rhythms. Mid-set highlights included the angular energy of "Wasting My Time" and the driving, crowd-chanting favourite "Johnny Don't be Scared."
'Is There Any Hope' was jokingly dedicated to Nigel Farage after Issey made an impassioned plea of hope and unity for the Uk. The intensity barely wavered, even with the introduction of another live debut, "My Metallic Wife," which signalled a marginally darker, more complex direction in their songwriting. The back half of the set saw the band lean into their punk sensibilities with "Popstar" and another Bowie track the classic "Rebel Rebel" which they played for the first time.
The final stretch, featuring the political-leaning "Father Flag" and the forthcoming album title track "Wasted on Youth," cemented the performance’s central theme: youth, passion, and a refusal to concede to apathy. The band returned for a single-song encore of "Get a Life," which provided a final, exhilarating burst of energy before the house lights came up and Mathew invited the crowd to the Good Mixer where the party continued.
While the group's Mod and early punk influences are clear, The Molotovs delivered a performance that felt current and self-possessed. They stepped up to the Electric Ballroom stage and delivered a blistering show, proving that their rise through the UK circuit has been earned on the strength of their live delivery. I look forward to the debut album which is set to drop on January 30th 2026. A memorable night was had by all.
Setlist Urbia (Live debut) Newsflash Suffragette City (David Bowie cover) Today's Gonna Be Our Day Geraldine Wasting My Time You Johnny Don't be Scared Is there any hope My Metallic Wife (Live debut) Rhythm of Yourself Popstar Rebel Rebel (David Bowie cover) No Time to Talk Father Flag Wasted on Youth More More More Daydreaming Come On Now
