THE must-own LP of 2026! A blistering record shouting out for the young through intergenerational music.
Few new bands would play 600 gigs across 5 years before releasing a record – but The Molotovs are not like most artists.. One of Punktuation‘s ‘Five Bands To Watch In 2026‘, hard-working London-based sibling duo Matt and Issey Cartlidge signed to Marshall Records early last year after putting in an impressive amount of DIY work to get their music out there, all achieved during their teenage years.
The Molotovs‘ eagerly anticipated debut album ‘Wasted On Youth‘ drops in two weeks’ time; a bold mix of new wave punk, indie, and garage rock, showcasing the band’s raw energy and sharp songwriting. It explores themes of social and political awareness, and conveys a sense of being personally overwhelmed, connected yet internally fragmented, brimming with hope and youthful energy, yet grounded in the reality of everyday challenges and modern life. Produced by Jason Perry (Don Broco, Trash Boat) at The Marshall Studio and mixed/mastered by Blair Crichton of Dead Pony, ‘Wasted On Youth’ conclusively marks out The Molotovs as one of Britain’s most vital bands. These talented teens have already shared stages with the likes of the Sex Pistols and The Libertines, and have been shouted out by punk legends Green Day. Tickets are rapidly selling out for The Molotovs‘ own headline shows across the country!
Opening track ‘Get A Life‘ is a message to “the spiteful b*stards who spend their time spreading hate on social media. It’s telling of the cowardice they show in never saying it to your face” states lead vocalist / guitarist and songwriter Matt. This short, sharp, blast furnace of a mod-punk song is one of the best of the genre that the The Molotovs have written. Matt and Issey’s synchronous vocal harmonies are the cherry on the riff-coated icing of this bombshell of a cake.
Second song ‘Daydreaming‘ is a slower, funkier number, reminiscent of Oasis and the Inspiral Carpets with a dash of 60s soul. “It’s about being confused and naive in life, and then somebody tells you to stop daydreaming.. Young people are told that they have to get loads of GCSEs and pick a worthless university course to get on, but that’s bollocks!” explains Matt.
‘More More More‘ is another breathless banger. The lyrics describe the dangers of drinking to try to stop caring about somebody amidst the push and pull of a messy breakup. Raw and relentless, it was an excellent choice as the first single to be released from the album:
We’re back to funky with ‘Come On Now‘. Issey’s bass flows through this one like a vibrant stream while her backing “ooh” vocals accompany it beautifully. Matt’s s guitar solo in the middle is superb. You’ll all be singing along with the “woah-oh, come on now!” chorus! “I’ve got no fucking clue what this song is about” grins Matt! We don’t care, it’s another total banger.
Enchanting acoustic number ‘Nothing Keeps Her Away‘ showcases how well The Molotovs can turn their talented hands to different styles. It’s hard not to draw comparisons with The Jam‘s ‘English Rose‘ and ‘Liza Radley‘, and it’s sure to become a modern classic, just as those tunes did.
Title track ‘Wasted On Youth‘ starts gently, before powerful drum beats and rhythmic guitars kick it up by several notches. Matt rips a few short but dynamic solos from his guitar before the song ends abruptly. He says wistfully and with a maturity that belies his years; “It’s about self doubt, growing up, and looking back at all the things you wish you’d done..”
Side two starts with ‘Geraldine‘, probably the most Weller-esque tune on the album. Sung with raw passion, it’s an ode to the care and support of our fellow humans. Underpinned with Issey’s solid bass lines, Matt discloses; “It’s about a woman our dad went to school with. We’d played a pub gig in Scunthorpe and she came down, got very pissed, gave me a big hug and said how much she loved our music, and then fell down in a pothole, breaking my finger!”
‘Newsflash‘ has a huge, stadium-sized sound, and it’s already a live favourite! Matt is rightfully critical of the mainstream media, supported as they are by billionaires with their own ‘get rich’ agendas.. “How can I trust you?” he says. “It was written about my frustration with lockdown, and how the government made decisions for themselves and not the people. Also, the lies! It was a scary time, having our freedom taken away like that.”
‘Rhythm Of Yourself‘ is a longer track. Influenced by The Undertones, it’s another one with a big sound. The song iss about having confidence in yourself and following your own unique path through life. Matt says it was written on the back of his exeriences with record companies making ridiculous demands, which he could see right through, despite being very young.
Taking another ‘pop’ at the music industry, The Molotovs don’t want to end up like a ‘Popstar‘; over-managed, drug / drink addicted and subject to sleazy tabloid headlines. It’s poppy, yes, but these lyrics are brilliantly cutting and sharply observed.
Album closer ‘Today’s Gonna Be Our Day‘ features equisite bass and guitar play by Issey and Matt. The song sees The Molotovs rejecting cynicism and political fatigue while encouraging empowerment, acting as a rallying cry for young people to take action. “It’s an anti-complacency song”, shares Matt. “A call to arms for my generation to keep the faith and reject apathy, recognising that it’s our time and our turn to make it better. If anything, it’s about the power of youth.”
‘Wasted On Youth’ is set for release via UK independent label Marshall Records on 30th January 2026 – pre-save the album for streaming HERE, and pre-order on CD, vinyl and cassette HERE. It’s THE must-own album of 2026!
I ask Matt if The Molotovs would be able to carve out any time from their busy touring schedule to write album #2? He assures us that he’s already got plenty of songs in the pipeline, so we won’t have to wait so long for their follow-up record! Catch The Molotovs on their album release tour this month, and out supporting Yungblud in April – all dates and ticket links HERE
Main Photo Credit / Album Cover: NICK BENOY
- Get A Life
- Daydreaming
- More More More
- Come On Now
- Nothing Keeps Her Away
- Wasted On Youth
- Geraldine
- Newsflash
- Rhythm Of Yourself
- Popstar
- Today’s Gonna Be Our Day
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