The Molotovs
The entire show felt like being transported back to simpler times when not everything was polished to perfection or clean. Just authenticity and quintessentially British.
The Molotovs are a brother and sister duo. They have been major players in the re-popularisation of the gigging scene having played over 600 gigs and building up a massive following without even having any music released whilst still in their teens.
While the rest of Norwich was quiet on this sleepy Wednesday evening, as Independent Venue Week continued something special was happening at the waterfront.
As the time comes for the Molotovs to finally release their long-awaited debut album they’ve come to show Norwich what they’re made of for their final, sold-out “Wasted on youth” tour date.
The waterfront studio transformed into a room full of mods and excitement in anticipation for the band.
The crowd consisted of mainly middle-aged men which I suppose could be expected due to the nature of their music. However, still took me by surprise for such a young band.
As soon as they came on, the band Encapsulated youth and rebellion by rejecting modernity and autotune and embracing the grit and grime of more traditional punk music.
It felt like I was had stepped into a time machine when the band came out from what seemed like the 60s. Sharp suits and giant heeled boots.
An incredibly High voltage performance by Issey Cartlidge from the beginning. Her energy was enthralled onto the crowd by her erratic dance moves and crazy faces.
On the stage she is not only a bassist and vocalist but also a performer and fashion icon rocking her mini skirt and massive blue eyeshadow, feeding off the crowd’s energy.
Not to forget the mark Mathew Cartlidge had on the audience insulting them for clapping criminally out of time and getting angsty when someone had stolen a pick which he later revealed cost him 20p - showing that as well as a rockstar he’s also just a teenager wanting to do get involved with some (what I hope was) banter.
Throughout the night they played many of their recently released singles. I noticed that a clear a favourite was “More more more” which also happened to be the first single the band released, with everyone clapping along and jumping (thankfully in time with the band this time).
However, they also played some of their unreleased stuff in advance of their debut album release, giving the crowd a taste of their raw, bold, Britpop-infused new album.
The entire show felt like being transported back to simpler times when not everything was polished to perfection or clean. Just authenticity and quintessentially British.
