The Molotovs, King Tuts, 6th January 2026 (c) Stephen Wilson Photography
The Molotovs are shaping up to be 2026’s band-to-watch, with an almost combustible buzz surrounding their debut, *Wasted on Youth*. As ears finally get a chance to absorb what the hype’s all about, the big question becomes: can the album live up to all the pre-release chatter and expectation?
Right from the get-go, The Molotovs set their stall out with “Get a Life,” a brisk, punchy opener that wraps snotty, fuzzed-out guitars and youthful bravado into a track that barely clocks two minutes. The song crackles with the kind of melodic urgency The Jam would be proud of, while channelling the untamed spirit of early Libertines. It’s a statement of intent – bold, brash, and immediately infectious. “Daydreaming” gives listeners a moment to catch their breath, dialling things back with a mod-revival sheen and a message about grasping life’s fleeting moments. While musically tight and sharply produced, the lyrics veer towards the earnest, bordering on too heartfelt to truly linger after the final chord.
The middle of the album takes a sharp turn towards indie nostalgia with “More More More,” a track that feels tailor-made for those who still cherish their old “NME Presents” compilations. Its blend of spoken-word vocals and wiry guitar lines would’ve slotted perfectly alongside 2000s indie darlings, while “Rhythm of Yourself” digs into chunkier basslines and the kind of swagger you’d expect from early Arctic Monkeys. The energy rarely dips, and the sense of fun is palpable – even if the influences are worn a little too proudly at times.
When the album finally pauses for breath, “Nothing Keeps Her Away” emerges as a surprise highlight. Stripped-back and gentle, it’s a Weller-esque ballad brimming with charm. Matthew Cartlidge’s heartfelt lyrics meet Issey Cartlidge’s gorgeous, understated backing vocals, conjuring a dreamy, Nico-meets-Velvet Underground vibe that’s as haunting as it is sincere. It’s this side of The Molotovs – vulnerable, textured, and thoughtful – that hints at the band’s potential to move beyond their inspirations.
Ultimately, *Wasted on Youth* is more of a sprawling collage than a tightly curated statement – brimming with energy, big hooks, and flashes of real promise. While the diversity of styles means the album sometimes feels like a mixtape of their favourite bands rather than a singular vision, the sheer tenacity and commitment of the sibling duo is hard to deny. If The Molotovs can harness their eclecticism into a more unified sound, there’s every chance they’ll be torchbearers not just for 2026, but for years to come.
Review by James Edmond
