by The Molotovs are another band of the new generation of mod revivalists in 2026 and, along with Sharp Class, are spearheading the movement, and turning heads!
Brother and sister Mathew (vocals/guitar) and Issey Cartlidge (bass/vocals) are channelling the bands of the 70s/80s and throwing in some classic Britpop, whilst keeping the sound relevant and modern for a new audience.
A prolific live band (over 500 shows and they are still teenagers!), they have established a strong and loyal fanbase, with their debut album, Wasted On Youth, released in January this year. Unlike The Cords (see previous review), The Molotovs are very upfront about their mod aspirations. Mathew Cartlidge has cited classic bands like The Jam, The Kinks and Small Faces as inspirations, and a desire for the band to reflect the early mod revival groups from the 70s and 80s. But they are more than that, with the inevitable influences of punk, new wave and Britpop blended into their music they span genres, albeit connected ones, which makes them instantly familiar to new listeners.
The average track length from the new album is around 3 minutes so you’d expect tight, guitar driven, catchy pop songs and you wouldn’t be disappointed, because that is exactly what we get. The opener, Get A Life, is just 1 minute 53 with a message and delivery that belies their youth. Daydreaming follows and it’s hard not to instantly compare this with Blur and Britpop in general, and More More More is 2 minutes of undeniable mod revival at its best. If you didn’t know better and somebody told you a young Paul Weller was playing lead guitar on this track, you wouldn’t question it.
I think the album comes to life with More More More and continues with Come On Now, I would have been inclined maybe to open with these two tracks. Nothing Keeps Her Away is perfectly placed, however. A Liza-Radley-esque ballad that calms things down before the title track, Wasted On Youth, which feels like a rallying cry for a new youth movement.
There are moments that make me smile in appreciation, like the opening cough on Geraldine, a not too subtle nod to Pretty Green, and possibly the most Jam like track (if you ignore the chorus). To date my favourite track is Popstar, and I think this would have made a brilliant single. It’s perfect.
The album ends with Today’s Gonna Be Our Day, lyrics that will resonate with young people today looking for a musical home, just as the bands of the time did in 1979 – “we’re the young generation, one of a kind”.
An excellent first album from a young, extremely promising band. I am beyond excited to hear this new wave of mod inspired music and long may it continue. A new tour is announced, Welcome To Urbia, starting in September 2026. Try and catch them live as by all accounts they are phenomenal. I may see you there!