The Molotovs

The Molotovs’ ascent may seem sudden, but their rise isn’t built on viral algorithms; it rests on street buzz, street gigs and hard work: 600 concerts under their belts, and it isn’t finished yet. The two teenage siblings, Matt (lead vocals/guitar) and Issey Cartlidge (bass/vocals), together with drummer Noah Riley, have carved a path from the country’s shopping streets to official charts and prime-time television.

In February 2026, the group proved that guitar music wasn’t only alive but thriving. Their debut album, Wasted On Youth (released on Marshall Records), climbed to No. 3 in the charts. In a week dominated by pop artists such as Lily Allen and Olivia Dean, the success of this teenage duo was powered by physical record sales among a legion of fans won over by their live shows.

The band seized the moment, joking on Instagram that they were in a 'chart war with a new unsigned band called Lily Allen', a barb that earned a supportive reply from Allen herself: 'It’s all love, baby. I hope you win the war.' For Matt, the achievement was the culmination of years spent on the road: 'After lighting up all the dingy bars and every circuit stage, finally releasing Wasted On Youth gives you an electric sensation. We lived these songs on the road… seeing that raw energy captured on disc is huge.'

The band’s reputation was further established by a performance of 'Today’s Gonna Be Our Day' on The Jonathan Ross Show on ITV, a performance that reminded viewers of the power of a live act. The Molotovs’ story began when the pandemic forced London venues to close their doors. Unable to find a stage, Mathew, then 14, and Issey, then 16, took their instruments to the streets of Oxford Street and Camden. Those early street sessions became the foundation of their identity. 'If we hadn’t played in the street, we would have had nowhere to play, but we couldn’t accept that,' recalls Matt.

It is this refusal to be sidelined that defines their sound: a 'chemical blend' of new wave, punk and indie sleaze. Their aesthetic is equally sharp, favouring mod-inspired suits and a visual style that nods to The Jam and the Sex Pistols. This approach quickly drew the attention of genre legends; they have already shared the stage with The Libertines, Blondie and Iggy Pop, and even saw Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols join them on stage for a rendition of God Save The Queen.

While chart success is a significant milestone, the band remains rooted in the live experience. In September 2026, after a short, sold-out arena tour with Yungblud, they launch their most ambitious headlining tour yet: the UK Welcome to Urbia tour.

The tour will begin in Cardiff, then take in major cities such as Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham, before ending with two shows at the O2 Forum Kentish Town in London, the very venue where The Libertines, recognizing kindred spirits, had invited Matt and Issey to give their first show under the name The Molotovs.

For Issey, the mission goes beyond music: she advocates a 'youth explosion' in music and rejects 'cultural pessimism' and divisions within society. 'We want action, not apathy,' she said. 'Our passion is to create connections with people who love music as much as we do. This love can give rise to an optimism that is badly lacking elsewhere in 2026.'

With an album already in the Top 3 and a sold-out tour on the horizon, The Molotovs will perform at La Cigale on February 14, 2027 at 7:00 PM.