The Molotovs Bring Chaotic Energy To Their Largest London Headline To Date

The Molotovs, The Sukis, Soaked

Electric Ballroom, Camden, London

23rd October 2025

Zosia Kibalo

Photographer trying to capture all the colours of the world one gig at a time. I love experimenting with my photos, both digitally and old school arts and crafts style. I also find my voice through writing about art in any shape or form. Catch me hopping around grassroots venues bopping my head and camera to some good tunes!

The Molotovs stun at their largest headline show in London at The Electric Ballroom, Camden

There’s something beautifully chaotic about The Molotovs crowd. It’s sweaty, loud, and completely unfiltered – a snapshot of the British youth reclaiming the idea of what British music and British identity should sound like.

The night begins with two strong openers – The Sukis and Soaked – both stepping out onto The Electric Ballroom stage like they absolutely owned it. The crowd loved them, moshing and crowd surfing from the very first song. With their rowdy mannerisms and high-energy tunes, they were the perfect setup for what was about to unfold: a night celebrating the new age of Britannica.

When Issey Cartlidge storms the stage, the energy shifts from eager anticipation to pure combustion. Dressed in a glittering Union Jack mini-dress and cherry-red boots, she commands the spotlight – every grimace, grin, and snarl so photogenic it’s hard to peel your eyes, or camera, away. Her movements are jagged yet graceful – a whirl of punk charisma that feels instantly iconic.

Her brother Matthew’s vocals and guitar riffs perfectly complement Issey’s kinetic energy. He storms on the stage with a deafening sound of a whistle he bought recently and can’t part with since – using it to whip the crowd into shape whenever he felt like it. He commands the stage with the swagger of someone born to front a band, playing and singing with relentless fire.

Midway through the set, Issey takes a moment to reflect. She talks about being proud to wear the flag, but not proud of what it’s come to represent – pointing out that the real British culture worth celebrating is what’s happening in that very room, not the hate plaguing a big part of the nation. It’s a reclamation of Britishness – one grounded in inclusivity, not division.

The chemistry between the two is a joy to watch: pure sibling telepathy wrapped in punk ferocity. The band’s lineage may trace back to the mod revival and punk grit of Paul Weller’s generation, but their voice belongs unmistakably to now. The Molotovs stand for style, defiance, and uncontainable youth. If there’s a new wave of British rock rising, this is its pulse.