Molotov Jukebox isn’t just a fun band name. It’s also a fitting description of this band’s live show. Although it doesn’t come across so clearly in their studio recordings, their diverse influences, rare instrument combinations and bizarre band persona have a distinctly explosive effect on a live audience.

The six-piece has been described as a ‘Gyp-step’ band, but this term ignores the latin- and afro-caribbean influences which form a large part of their musical heritage. Whatever the word, the band has a huge sound, with a lineup that incorporates a trumpet, violin and accordion. This, along with their off the wall theatrical performances, has made them a festival favourite over the past couple of years.

 

The show at the haunt was one of a six-date tour previewing Molotov Cocktail’s second studio album, ‘Tropical Gypsy’, which the band funded exclusively with a Pledge campaign. They played several unreleased tracks which suggest the band are moving away from the straightforward danceability of their debut album. That isn’t to say the new songs were slower or less rhythm-oriented – footstamping is still the cornerstone of this band’s style – only that the musical backdrop seemed more diverse, developed and thoughtful.

 

They stuck to their reputation for the carnivalesque at the Haunt, with most of the band in blinding hawaiian shirts. Lead singer and accordionist Natalia Tena (the actress of Harry Potter and Game of Thrones fame) wore a huge crown of flowers, and easily built up a strong rapport with the audience. Pineapples were the theme of the evening, the symbol which the band have chosen to represent their ‘Tropical Gypsy’ sound. Their audience interaction was animated and playful, with lucky audience members winning tinned pineapples or a whole fruit for their dance moves.

 

Their signature song ‘I Need It’ went down a storm, as expected. This song put the band on the map in 2011 with its video, made from audience reaction footage from a full day’s performance on ChatRoulette. In fact the band is very interesting for its smart use of social apps like this: they even live-broadcast part of Thursday’s gig on Periscope. But it was their musicality, not PR skill, that made other songs like ‘Tick-Tock’ and ‘Don’t Panic’ show stoppers.

 

As a single entity the band were seamless and had no apparent trouble with even the most complicated transitions. The trumpet stood out, as did the violin: Sam Apley managed to hold centre stage physically while sharing vocals and playing breakneck violin. His solo in the encore, where the band were joined by singers from their support act The Church, was a high point in the performance.

 

Looking at their history, it’s clear the band know how to get their name out, and are gifted showmen. All their running jokes with the audience and larger than life masquerading, plus the sheer number of performers on stage, made for a hugely entertaining show. But the floor would never have shook as it did if their image and theatricality wasn’t backed up by strong musicianship throughout.

Ben Noble