The Molotovs have the attitude of a band at the top of their game and the quality to back it up; now we finally get an album from them – enter ‘Wasted On Youth’. Over the past few years the infectious passion of the band, fronted by siblings Matthew and Issey Cartlidge, has been on the rise across social media platforms. From announcing themselves on the famous Denmark Street in London with their Rickenbacker-rocking to embarking on an impressive tour run before their debut album’s release, it is clear that The Molotovs are much more than all style and no substance.
To tread the line between being influenced and being an imitator is all too dangerous, but The Molotovs manage to do so with an impressive ease. One too many cues from their idols will have an enraged online debate, but what do they say about bad publicity? The Molotovs sit well above any conversation about themselves, succinctly evidenced by title track ‘Wasted On Youth’, opening with a somewhat introspective approach about one’s past that manages to pivot into a defiant swagger adorned with overdriven guitar, strangely reminiscent of Oasis’ ‘Bring It On Down’. Matthew’s Paul Weller-esque vocals cut through to his audience, emphasising his confidence in enjoying his youth when asking “but will you reminisce of all the things you did then?”. The title track sets the tone for the entire album, a fast-paced, self-confident product of not just an outstanding musical relationship but a band bound together by a much deeper connection.
First impressions count, and whilst the sharp suits and bright red boots certainly pique your attention, the opening of The Molotovs’ debut album keeps you exactly where the punk-influenced Londoners want you. The high-tempo track, driven by a fantastically bright bass sound, launches you right into the album with no consideration for an easy ride. With the sharp, staccato guitar chords and caution-to-the-wind nature, The Molotovs have opened the show with something that would be right at home amongst the early work of The Fratellis. This pedal-to-the-metal approach threads its way right through the album, boldly thrashing through tracks such as ‘Popstar’ and ‘More More More’.
An obstacle somewhat unique to the commercial success of The Molotovs’ first studio album, ensuring their debut is a broad church for the varying avenues punk rock has meandered down. Being able to bridge the gap between the young, hardcore followers they have amassed through their frankly impressive social media output and the older audience, clearly hooked on the mod-inspired image and sound of the band, is no mean feat. That being said, they’ve done it – and rather sensationally. Possibly the stand-out track of the release is ‘Come On Now’, appealing to the gap left by Greta Van Fleet’s lack of recent releases, providing all the screaming guitar solos and heavy riffs to constantly re-invent their sound. Even the most sceptical listeners, still mindlessly dreaming of the smoke-filled and psychedelic-ravaged stages of the early ‘70s, will be won over by The Molotovs hauling punk rock into the 21st century. Unashamedly acknowledging their approach in how there’s “no point in hiding when you’re making a scene”, these starlets are fast becoming a major attraction in and of themselves.
At times, however, 'Wasted On Youth' left me wanting a bit more - just hoping the envelope would be pushed a bit more. That being said, what we hear on this album is a polished and well put together result of a band that has cut their teeth on the gig scene and know who they want to be. This isn’t an eleven-track thrashing of four-chord pop songs to appease a record label checking their returns, and this comes through in the playfulness in the track ‘Nothing Keeps Her Away’. Punctuated by lovely ascending runs on the bass guitar and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, ‘Nothing Keeps Her Away’ is a moments respite from the unshakeable riotous nature of the album.
In short, ‘Wasted On Youth’ is an incredibly solid debut studio album from a supreme young band – it knows what it wants to say and does so in a way that will win you over. Far from just putting up with their presupposed role of having to “be good looking and do photoshoots”, The Molotovs have come out of the gates flying and staying true to their sound. They’ve already embarked on the album tour and tracks like ‘Today’s Gonna Be Our Day’ and ‘Geraldine’ will be ringing through bedrooms and gig venues alike. Supremely confident and possessing the musicianship to back themselves up, The Molotovs have told us all we need to hear: “you better listen to the kids”.
Joseph Madden
Image: ‘Wasted On Youth’ Official Album Cover
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