A revolution is happening and there’s no stopping it. In a world full of conflict and corruption, it’s always been down to the youth to shake things up, their voices and music providing defining moments of change.

It’s a testament to just how strong this movement is that while established giants in the field struggle to sell out arenas, grassroots artists are seeing full houses and ever growing fan bases across the country as they progress from pubs to clubs and beyond.

Whilst the thrilling spirit of rock ‘n’ roll and the DIY ethos is strong, there’s a sophistication that manages to bring quality songwriting without losing any of the raw edges.

For the faithful crammed into Camden’s Underworld, this heady combination was cause for wild celebration and hope for the future as in an evening of great music, that spirit burned with retina scorching brightness.

Seemingly constantly on tour, The Molotovs are fast becoming one of the hottest bands in the country. It’s little wonder though, their boundless energy and ability to capture all the very best elements of Punk and New Wave has seen them win the hearts of minds of anyone who’s witnessed them.

There’s a visceral power here that taps into the primal and seeing the trio tear up the stage in a mix of snotty swagger and effortless cool is thrilling.

For a new band to be this tight is astounding and their youth gives them the stamina to pour their all into a packed set that sees the place erupt in a sea of constantly shifting bodies.

Launching into opener ‘Johnny Don’t Be Scared’, it’s impossible not to think of a nascent The Jam at their most feral, singer/guitarist Matthew Cartlidge in a sharp suit and feather cut as sister Issey Carts somehow exudes supermodel insouciance as she throws herself and her bass around, drummer Ice Dob’s powerhouse playing and feel way beyond her tender years.

‘No Time to Talk’ and ‘Satisfaction Guaranteed’ are New Wave whirlwinds and the touch of Ska in ‘More More More’ sees everyone dancing and with its irresistible chorus ‘Rhythm of Yourself’ has ‘hit single’ written all over it.

A quick, euphoric run through of Bowie’s ‘Suffragette City’ nods to the past before a sledgehammer ‘Come on Now’ and the Summery ‘Today’ close the set, headliner Laurie Wright joining them for the party.

Based on this performance alone, there’s no doubt The Molotovs are about to go supernova.

There’s a lot of love in the room for the main act tonight. Little wonder as Laurie Wright is a fighter, his story one of triumph over adversity and his peek into the abyss of addiction and dark paths preventing him from falling over the edge.

You get the feeling that to be standing here now, onstage with his band in front of a sold-out venue, means more than words could ever convey.

With a grin plastered on his face, there’s no doubting how hard he’s worked to get here and his strength and self-belief makes him someone you can immediately warm to. Stripped of any pretence or posturing, his honesty and genuineness instruct everything he does and his skill as a songwriter gives a real depth to his performance.

The night is already a triumph, the music its soundtrack as Wright and band kick off with the clarion call of ‘Rock & Roll Ain’t Dead’, the buoyant anthemic singalong shot through with blues, the blistering ‘Wings of Platinum & Gold’ deliciously ragged and driven by Keiran O’Keefe’s harmonica.

More blues sprinkles the frantic ‘Rockstar & the Fan’ and ‘Butterside Up Boy’ and ‘I’ve Cracked It’ are rambunctious enough to tear down walls, the latter’s wry refrain “it’s all about the money” a whip smart riposte. It’s not all knockabout fun though, the bleeding lyrics of ‘The Lodge’ that tell the tale of his time in rehab and piano ballad ‘Sentiment of Strength’ is a display of stripped back restraint and soul.

Giving these textures to his material shows just how savvy Wright is, his knack with a tune and lyric setting him out as someone to watch as he continues to refine his craft.

Highlighting this, ‘Easy Street’ presents itself as both fresh yet familiar, it’s almost Glam Rock Music Hall feel an amalgam of The Who, Elton John, The Small Faces and Bowie at their most playful and ‘The Pirate’ sounds like something Blur would put together on one of their really good days.

The night closes when The Molotovs join Wright and band onstage for a city block destroying run through of ‘West End Lover’, the electricity generated here enough to light up Camden for a week.

Truly a finish that captures the pure, world changing power of visceral rock ‘n’ roll better than a thousand arena shows, this was a “I was there” night that could become legendary. This fire is starting to blaze.

Review by Paul Monkhouse

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.

Josh Taerk Sunday Sessions 2024

Latest session: SUNDAY 26 MAY

Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio

Josh Taerk Summer 2024

David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 9 June 2024.

UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 11 June 2024.

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Power Plays w/c 24 June 2024

BRAVE LIAISON No Two Sides The Same (indie)
RHABSTALLION Going Nowhere (indie)
THE MERCURY RIOTS LA Girls (indie)
RENDEZVOUS POINT Presence (Long Branch Records)
MINE ROAD Tightrope (indie)
SAINT TRAGEDY Asking For A Ghost (indie)
THE HOME TEAM Walk This World With Me (Thriller Records)

Featured Albums w/c 24 June 2024

09:00-12:00 ATLANTIS DRIVE (Pride & Joy Music)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023
14:00-16:00 IANN BRENNAN Getaway (AGR Records)

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