Give me stompy, catchy punk-tinged music with some pop sensibilities, dual vocals, plenty of attitude, and the occasional F-bomb, and I’m pretty much in.
That’s the appeal of Wasted on Youth, the debut album from London’s The Molotovs. There’s nothing particularly revolutionary happening here, but there’s also no shortage of good ideas, infectious melodies, and songs that make you want to turn the volume up.
The album pulls from a familiar collection of influences, mixing punk, power pop, 90s British guitar bands, and plenty of classic 50s and 60s rock and roll. You can hear echoes of The Jam, The Beatles, Green Day, and the broader British Invasion throughout, but The Molotovs bring enough personality and rough edges to keep things from feeling like a simple exercise in nostalgia.
“Get a Life” gets things moving with a driving Bo Diddley-style rhythm, combining classic rock and roll with a punky attitude. It’s a cheeky kiss-off to someone who has been misrepresenting you, and a fun, energetic opener that establishes exactly what kind of ride we’re in for.
“Daydreaming” shifts the emphasis toward the guitars, with a melodic quality that brings 90s Britpop to mind. There’s a little frustration in the lyrics about the pressure to figure out what you’re going to do with your life before you’ve even had much chance to experience it.
Then “More More More” delivers a two-minute blast of melodic punk that lands somewhere between Green Day and The Jam. It’s rapid-fire, full of sharp guitar work and infectious hooks, and over almost as soon as it gets going.
“Come On Now” takes a turn toward grungier, guitar-driven rock. There’s a bluesy riff at its center, with a vocal howl that gives it a rougher edge. Some of the verses even bring the Beatles’ “Come Together” to mind, while the dual vocals on the chorus add a fun singalong quality.
“Nothing Keeps Her Away” offers a welcome change of pace, with a relaxed, almost California-like warmth, lovely backing harmonies, and a distinctly Beatlesque quality. There’s also a little of the softer, soulful side of The Jam in the arrangement. The song’s relationship between a rock star and an adoring fan makes for a fun metaphor for dating. It’s a charming change of direction for the album.
The title track, “Wasted on Youth,” is a real showcase for the band’s musicianship, particularly the drumming. It starts slowly, gradually gathering momentum before breaking into a hard-hitting rocker, complete with a terrific old-school guitar solo. Lyrically, it explores self-doubt, growing up, and the feeling that time has passed without making the most of it.
And then there’s “Geraldine,” my favorite song on the album. The Jam are one of my top five bands, so anyone keeping that sound alive is automatically my new best friend.
This is probably the closest The Molotovs get to capturing that particular combination of melodic British pop, punchy guitar, and punk attitude. It’s got a wonderful bounce, with Mathew and Issey’s vocals adding to the charm. There’s also a lot of fun in the lyrics, particularly the playful rhyming.
“Newsflash” brings a more political perspective to the album, addressing the impact of lockdowns on young people. But don’t mistake the subject matter for a lack of fun. This is a tremendous bop, driven by high-energy guitars and drums with a strong pop melody underneath.
On “Rhythm Of Yourself,” the band deliver another infectious groove, almost like The Cramps with some of the camp stripped away. The bass, drums, and guitar seem to bounce along together, creating a wonderfully loose, rolling rhythm. It’s a fun song about maintaining your individuality, with the band periodically winding things up before letting all that kinetic energy loose in explosive bursts.
“Popular” brings together that blend of The Jam and 90s British guitar bands, with a driving rhythm and a real sense of urgency. It moves quickly, with the guitars and drums pushing everything forward while a strong pop melody keeps it catchy and accessible. There’s a playful, tongue-in-cheek quality to the song’s apparent take on success and popularity in the entertainment industry, particularly the compromises that can come with trying to make it.
Closing things out, “Today’s Gonna Be Our Day” is a big, upbeat rock song with a familiar, theatrical structure. Beneath all that infectious energy is a genuine call to action, encouraging young people to reject apathy, pay attention to the world around them, and take responsibility for making things better.
The Molotovs understand the appeal of a great guitar riff, a catchy chorus, and a rhythm section that knows how to make a song move. There are familiar sounds all over the album, but they’re put together with enough energy, personality, and enthusiasm to make the whole thing enjoyable. There’s plenty here to like, and I’m happy to have another band carrying the torch for this kind of British guitar-driven pop and punk.
Verdict: Solid
Explore more from The Molotovs
Official Site | Spotify | Bandcamp