The Molotovs Ignite Camden - Youth, Chaos, and British Rock Rebellion at the Electric Ballroom
- Alan Bryce
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Electric Ballroom – Camden – 23rd October 2025.
WORDS / IMAGES ALAN BRYCE
The Electric Ballroom was sold out, hosting 1500 fans for what was billed as The Molotovs’ biggest London headline show to date. The anticipation was palpable, this wasn’t just another gig; it felt like a defining moment for a band that has been steadily climbing the UK rock ladder since 2020. The venue buzzed with energy
First up was Soaked, who primed the crowd with indie-driven sets full of jangly guitars and youthful swagger. Dripping with their dreamy, lo-fi textures provided a contrasting calm before the storm.
Followed up by The Sukis. Whose angular indie riffs and melodic hooks made their set a confident, swaggering warm-up. Their energy was infectious, earning cheers and new fans in equal measure.
And then The Molotovs entered the stage. From the moment the lights dropped and the opening chords of “Urbia” rang out - a live debut - the crowd erupted. Bodies surged forward, and within seconds, crowd-surfers were being passed overhead. This wasn’t a passive audience; it was a fiercely loyal army, pogoing and moshing with abandon.
The band’s youthful energy was undeniable: Mathew Cartlidge, just 17, prowled the stage in an Adam of London suit, while Issey Cartlidge, 19, commanded attention in a striking Union Jack dress by Solene Lescouet, underscoring their unapologetic British identity.
The setlist was a masterclass in pacing and intent, blending fan favourites, new material, and bold covers’ “Urbia” and “Newsflash” set an aggressive tone, followed by a faithful, punchy cover of Bowie’s “Suffragette City”, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Tracks like “Today’s Gonna Be Our Day”, “Geraldine”, and “Wasting My Time” showcased melodic depth, while “Johnny Don’t Be Scared” triggered deafening singalongs. Another live debut, “My Metallic Wife”, hinted at a darker, more complex direction for the band
Punk-infused blasts like “Popstar”, Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” (played for the first time), and politically charged “Father Flag” led into “Wasted on Youth”, the forthcoming album’s title track. The encore, “Get a Life”, was a euphoric send-off that left the crowd breathless
The crowd’s response was electric—mosh pits erupted during “More More More” and “Johnny Don’t Be Scared”, while Bowie covers drew ecstatic cheers. Fans weren’t just spectators; they were participants in a communal act of rebellion and celebration. Crowd-surfing was constant, and chants of “Is there any hope?”—echoing the band’s lyrical motif—resonated throughout the venue. Between songs, Mathew thanked fans for making the night unforgettable, while Issey delivered a heartfelt message about unity and rejecting hate, earning roars of approval.
The Molotovs didn’t just play a gig—they staged a cultural statement. Their performance fused Mod revival urgency with punk ferocity, underpinned by a message of hope and defiance. With two live debuts, Bowie tributes, and a setlist that balanced aggression with melody, they proved why they’re one of Britain’s most exciting young acts. The Electric Ballroom show was sweaty, chaotic, and utterly exhilarating—a night that will be remembered as a milestone in their rise.
SET LIST
Urbia
Newsflash
Suffragette city
Today's Gonna Be Our Day
Geraldine
Wasting My Time
You
Johnny Don't Be Scared
Is There Any Hope
My Metallic Wife
Rhythm Of Yourself
Popstar
Rebel Rebel
No Time To Talk
Father Flag
Wasted On Youth
More More More
Daydreaming
Come On Now
Get A Life
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