The Molotovs | Die Twice
The Cavern, Exeter
11th January 2026
Ramping up to the release of their debut LP, punk ‘n’ roll siblings The Molotovs kick-start the year in effortless style with a gigawatt power-hour of feral energy.
The shape of punk to come. Have you seen it? In 2026 it’s quite possible that The Molotovs are already sporting that badge – pinned to their sleeves like the influences they celebrate and make their own. Having played over 600 gigs, (including support slots for Sex Pistols, Blondie and The Libertines), brother Mathew and sister Issey, still in their late teens, are making a serious noise on the UK scene.
Their debut album, Wasted On Youth, is about to drop and they’re playing a full UK tour, (including several instores), in the run up. Most dates are sold-out. Five shows into battle The Molotovs, joined live by drummer Ice, return to Devon’s premier indie-punk venue, Exeter Cavern. Tonight they are joined by up and coming local band Die Twice.
Stepping out to a sizeable crowd Die Twice take us on an eclectic journey, with blues-tinged indie-rock at their very core. The quartet ooze confidence as they peel out jagged rhythms and riffs that any Rage or Muse fan can groove to. Relatively new to the scene, the band have already built a loyal following, with singles Evelyn and Paris aired amongst a wealth of unreleased material.
Their songs cover a variety of tonal shifts – some eastern-infused melodies seep in as well as vocals that scratch Jeff Buckley’s heavier moments. With youthful charisma and great chemistry, Die Twice appear to be a band rising the circuit. We look forward to potential new releases coming our way this year.
The Molotovs shut down Soho before Xmas playing a guerilla show in support of The Big Issue. Tonight at Exeter Cavern they reign supreme as one of the most exciting and fiercely energetic live bands in the UK.
Striking the stage with the one-two of Urbia and Newsflash, siblings Mathew and Issey Cartlidge truly pop with an exuberant punk fizz that rarely dips throughout their hour-long riot. Mathew, twitching with nervous energy, stabs at his guitar bellowing out anthems of intent, reminiscent of a young Paul Weller cut with shards of Ian Curtis. In contrast, Issey remains glued to that bass, swaying, contorting – a whirlwind of movement, while constantly staring, pouting and posing for the crowd (like we’re a 200+ camera crew).
The Molotovs are playful yet sincere. A snippet of Kylie’s Give Me Just A Little More Time are aired during a songs breakdown and, despite their obvious punk / new wave influences, there are a few nods to the sleaze of bands such as GN’R buried within their sound.
Wasted On Youth is an earlier highlight, the title track of their forthcoming record bursting with frantic short solos as the pair swap sides and mics. When that pair hit a chorus you know about it – Issey’s harmonies croon beneath Mathews lead lines perfectly, enhancing singalongs such as Wasting My Time and Johnny Don’t Be Scared to another level. It must be in the blood.
No Time To Talk is dedicated ‘to all you punks’ many who, old and new, revel in the quick-fire tune. There are songs about being Popstar(s), songs about Weston-super-Mare and then, perhaps the biggest crowd pleaser, first album single More More More. The pit ignites for this upbeat singalong with bodies jumping, limbs flailing and smiles aplenty.
Ending their set with Come on Now, the London trio leave to rapturous applause as the capacity crowd hunger for more. Ace returns first treating us to a brief drum solo, before he is reunited by his bandmates for final song, and latest single, Get A Life. Less than two minutes long, the album opener draws our night to a close with a rapturous, extended crash ending. A spiky mission statement, Get A Life, as well as previous single Rhythm of Yourself, could well end up being the outsider anthems this festival season.
A band with a voice and barrage of top tunes. Today is gonna be their day and they’re they’re gonna look super-cool doing it….
The Molotovs release debut album Wasted On Youth on January 30th 2026. The band are currently on tour around the UK until early February. Check their Website for details
They can also be found online here: Facebook | Instagram | X
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All words by Chris Perkins. This is Chris’s first review for Louder Than War.
Photos by Charles Derry @ Capture Photography
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