Molotov Jukebox LIVE @ The Cluny, Newcastle 2.04.14

When 29 year old Natalia Tena isn’t busy running around as everybody’s favourite ‘wildling’ Osha, in Game Of Thrones, she just happens to be fronting one of the most bizarrely fascinating British bands of the moment; Molotov Jukebox. Playing an intimate show at The Cluny in Newcastle Upon-Tyne, on Wednesday 2^nd April, Tena and her band of merry men, staged a sophisticated and unforgettable live performance; involving light-bulbs, an accordion and a wave of jigging.

Molotov Jukebox’s first date of their mini-UK tour, due to the release of their new album ‘Carnival Flower’, had its first stop in Newcastle. The band, unusually christened as ‘gypstep’ (gypsy-dubstep) are wreaking havoc across the UK and creating a riot ; so, what better a place to showcase their unusual talent than at The Cluny; a place where some of the biggest bands in the world found their feet.

Appearing on stage to a gracious crowd; the band instantly took off with brand-new, never before preformed live tracks. The mesmerizing vocals of Tena radiated throughout the venue; especially prominent on ‘Can’t Find You’; “this track is about missing people” she laughed, simply shrugging her shoulders, before racing into the sultry, up-tempo song. As well as delivering a flawless vocal performances throughout the night, Natalia Tena’s accordion skills were top-notch; cementing every song together perfectly.

As the obscure experience continued, the crowd seemed to be whipped into frenzy when ‘Sexfoot’ was rolled out. The carnival vibe escalated through the incredible trumpet; creating a party atmosphere which seen girls, boys, bald men and striking women laughing in pleasure, as they jigged their hearts out. Molotov Jukebox brought pure, euphoric pleasure to The Cluny; something special that doesn’t occur very often.

As well as the bands urbane sound; the electrifying chemistry on stage between Tena and Sam Apley, who manned violin as well as vocals, was a beauty to behold. It’s not often you see a band so enthralled in their music and who are so dedicated on the ‘enjoyment’ factor to their performance. Apley, in a matching royal blue suit, had a Metronomy-esk light-bulb that shone throughout the performance, reinforcing why this bands look, as well as their music, is so unique.

The night came to a death-defying close and the eager crowd even spawned an encore, to which the band produced glassy-eyes and triumphantly ended their gig. Wednesday 2^nd April is a night the sold-out crowd will not be forgetting anytime soon. Molotov Jukebox managed to boast their individual, genre-avoiding style of music and made it clear, the only way is up from here.

Ella Scott