The Molotovs: Wasted On Youth
‘Wasted On Youth’ is a fast, fearless album that captures The Molotovs at a defining moment. Produced by Jason Perry at The Marshall Studio and mixed and mastered by Blair Crichton of Dead Pony, it crackles with new wave punk energy, indie bite and garage-rock grit. The sound is sharp, urgent and loud. Every track feels built for packed rooms and blown-out speakers and that’s no surprise for a band that shaped much of the album over five relentless years on the road, road-testing songs night after night before committing them to tape.
The opening track, ‘Get A Life’, wastes no time. It’s short, spiky and full of bite. The song takes aim at online hate and empty negativity, delivered with pure punk energy. Mathew and Issey Cartlidge’s vocals hit together with precision, riding over jagged riffs and driving drums. Issey (bass/vocals) says it’s one of her personal favourites because of its raw, explosive energy and we cannot agree more.
‘Daydreaming’ slows things down slightly. It leans into groove and melody, with hints of Britpop and 60s soul. The song captures the confusion of being young and unsure, especially in a world full of expectations about education, careers and success. It’s thoughtful without losing momentum. ‘More More More’ follows. The track is loud, energetic and emotionally raw. There’s no gloss here, just urgency and honesty. It stands out as one of the album’s most direct moments as it explores the chaos of trying to drink away feelings after a breakup.
‘Come On Now’ brings a funkier feel. Issey’s bassline leads the song, flowing smoothly beneath bright guitar lines. The chorus is simple, catchy and made to be shouted back by a crowd. It’s loose, confident and fun. One of the album’s most surprising moments is ‘Nothing Keeps Her Away’. The acoustic-led track shows a softer side of The Molotovs. It feels timeless and intimate, proving the band can step outside distortion without losing impact.
The title track, ‘Wasted On Youth’, ties the record together. It starts slow before exploding in power. The song reflects on self-doubt, growing up and looking back at missed chances. It ends suddenly, leaving the feeling unresolved — just like youth itself.
Later tracks such as ‘Geraldine’, ‘Newsflash’, ‘Rhythm Of Yourself’ and ‘Popstar’ widen the album’s scope. They touch on empathy, frustration with the media and the importance of trusting your own path. The closer, ‘Today’s Gonna Be Our Day’, delivers a clear message. It pushes against apathy and urges action. Issey names it as another personal favourite, saying it encourages people to take things into their own hands, change the future and actually do something. It’s
‘Wasted On Youth’ has been five years in the making. It tells the story of that time in the band’s life. Many of the songs were written years ago and have already been tested on the road, shaped by hundreds of live shows. Those shows matter. Despite Mathew being just 17 and Issey 19, The Molotovs have played over 600 gigs since 2020. They’ve shared stages with The Libertines, Sex Pistols, Blondie and the list goes on and on. This April, they’ll open for Yungblud alongside The Warning on his UK and Ireland arena tour, with tickets selling out fast.
‘Wasted On Youth’ doesn’t feel rushed or unfinished. It feels lived in, shaped by time, experience and countless nights on the road. The songs sound confident, with a clear sense of purpose running through every track. Loud and honest, the album makes it clear that The Molotovs know exactly who they are and where they’re heading. Set for release on 30 January via Marshall Records, ‘Wasted On Youth’ stands as one of the most solid releases this month and marks the band as ready, and more than deserving, of bigger stages.