The Molotovs – 'Rhythm Of Yourself'
Brother and sister duo The Molotovs return with the individualist anthem ‘Rhythm Of Yourself’, a blazing slice of throwback rock’n’roll from the champions of 21st century mod revival.
Fresh from a blistering headline show at Camden’s Electric Ballroom at the end of October, the youthful band released their third single ‘Rhythm Of Yourself’ last Friday, aiming for a third successive UK number 1 in the physical singles chart. Produced by Jason Perry at Marshall Studios, the track is a testament to the Molotovs’ impressive achievements at such a young age, and a premonition of a future where they’re leading the charge for a 21st century mod rock revival taking the nation by storm.
Made up of Issey and Mathew Cartlidge, only 19 and 17 respectively, the band formed during lockdown when the pair had no choice but to play together. Since then, they’ve played over 600 gigs together, performing in pubs, clubs and across the streets of London, as well as in support of legendary acts such as The Libertines, Blondie and Iggy Pop. The Molotovs’ fiery brand of Brit-rock evokes The Jam in their bashful lyrics and mod aesthetic, blended with echoes of The Clash and Sex Pistols in their brazen, punkish attitude and riotous live shows. ‘Rhythm Of Yourself’ was also influenced by Favourite Worst Nightmare era Arctic Monkeys, a connection audible in Matt’s quintessentially British vocal inflections. The single’s B-side ‘Johnny Don’t Be Scared’ similarly features elements of Alex Turner-esque British social realism.
‘Rhythm Of Yourself’ is primarily a song about individualism, with Matt singing in the chorus “’cause I know where I am and going to, I’ll be fine if it weren’t for you / Why don’t you leave me to it and go your way?”. It’s an apt message for a visually striking band that leans heavily on the visual and sonic language of the 50s and 60s. Speaking about the single, Matt explained “The song is about dancing to your own rhythm, whatever you’re being told by those around you. Groove to the beat of your own drum. Don’t let anyone get in the way of your vision. It’s what we’re all about as a band.”
There’s also an element of personal storytelling to the track, given the young band’s emergence into a global music industry famed for exploiting young stars and overly fixating on youthfulness, often to devastating consequences. In Matt’s words, “‘Rhythm Of Yourself’ is about people who try to take advantage of you because they think you’re young, vulnerable, and stupid. The verses tell the story of an older, cunning man presenting a contract to a young kid, promising him the world whilst trying desperately to change everything about him to satisfy his own needs. The chorus is a ‘sod all that’ type attitude which says to be your own man and do the best with what you’ve got.”
The track’s release comes alongside a film noir music video where Matt and Issey confront the “small man” discussed in the track’s verses. The track’s lyrical darkness is reflected in the film’s muted backdrop of mean streets and smoky bars, creating a retro vibe that perfectly fits The Molotovs’ throwback brand of rock’n’roll. With Matt becoming increasingly frenetic after ingesting the “small man”, Issey makes use of a drill to remove the man altogether. Following this lobotomy-of-sorts, Matt’s vacant stare into the camera lens during the final chorus gives provides a particularly chilling ending fitting for its Halloween release date. Discussing the music video, Issey said “We’re so pleased with the video - it transports you to a different time. The concept is great and it looks amazing - I love those outfits.” Undeniably twisted yet immaculately produced, the music video perfectly punctuates their memorable third single.
Heralded as the future of British rock, the youthful band have just began touring the UK backing Palaye Royale and are set to join Yungblud on his arena tour next Spring. With their debut album Wasted On Youth releasing in January, the explosive group’s rising status may soon be a thing of the past. So go and dance to the rhythm of The Molotovs – and yourself.
Words by Taran Will
