The Molotovs – who this magazine has tipped since 2021 – last night [Thursday 23rd October] played a sold-out show at London’s famed Electric Ballroom as they aim for a third consecutive UK # 1 single with “Rhythm Of Yourself”.
The band, brother and sister Mathew (17) and Issey Cartlidge (19), release “Rhythm Of Yourself” on Friday [31st October] via Marshall Records.
It is the band’s biggest London headline show yet. The 1,500-capacity Electric Ballroom in Camden Town has hosted everyone from Joy Division and The Ramones to Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish and Prince.
Among fans at the blistering show was James McCartney, songwriter and son of Beatle Paul McCartney. The hour-long set included songs from their forthcoming debut album “Wasted On Youth” – due 30th January 2026 via Marshall Records – and new songs “Urbia” and “My Metallic Wife”.
Matt said: “I want to thank everyone who came and made this an amazing night to remember. We can’t wait for you to hear the album – and a lot more in 2026. Next, we’re out on the road with Palaye Royale, don’t miss it if we’re in your city.” For the show, Matt wore an Adam of London suit while Issey wore a Solene Lescouet-designed Union Jack dress.
Issey said: “I’m proud to wear this dress. Proud to sport this flag. Proud of our Britishness which is so integral to who we are. This is British identity. People gathered together for music and a legacy of British artistic history. We must reject cultural pessimism – reject division, intolerance and hate – and embrace togetherness in its wake. We must keep on asking ourselves one vital question: Is There Any Hope? We think the answer is definitively, yes”.
“Rhythm Of Yourself” was influenced by “early ’80s stark Jam, Favourite Worst Nightmare-era Arctic Monkeys and Sex Pistols”. It was produced by Jason Perry at Marshall Studios. The song is backed by “Johnny Don’t Be Scared”, which was recorded at Paul Weller’s Black Barn Studios. The record will be available on white vinyl, as well as on digitally.
“Rhythm Of Yourself” is the band’s third single after “More More More” and “Today’s Gonna Be Our Day”, both of which hit the top of the UK’s physical singles’ chart.
Although Matt is only 17 and Issey 19, the band have learned their craft on stage, playing more than 600 gigs since 2020. They’ve shared stages with the likes of The Libertines, The Sex Pistols with Frank Carter, Blondie, Iggy Pop and The Damned, and had shout-outs by Green Day and Paul Weller.
Tour dates with Palaye Royale
3/11 – SWG3, Glasgow
4/11 – NX, Newcastle
5/11 – The Prospect Building, Bristol
7/11 – O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
8/11 – Beckett Student Union, Leeds
9/11 – O2 Academy, Birmingham
Photos by Derek D’Souza * [black & white pic by Aoife Hyland]
