Molotov Jukebox

Photo by Tamara Craiu

There's no real way to put it; Molotov Jukebox make Latin music sound like the kind of stuff you just want to get up and head bang to, they have an awesome brass section couple this with an accordion. I don't quite know how it works, but it really, really does.

Fronted by Natalia Tena of acting fame (she's added roles in Game of Thrones, Harry Potter and About A Boy to her repertoire), there's more to her than meets the eye. Born to two Spanish parents, she is fluent in the language and uses her Latin roots to her advantage; Molotov Jukebox's music is undeniably influenced by Tena's background. Although they may draw on Latin rhythms and riffs to add flavour and colour to their songs, they are anything but one dimensional. For one thing, Tena's official role within the band is lead singer and accordionist. For another, the music video for Get Ready was filmed topless "because it's really hot". Yeah. Damn straight.

Photo by Tamara Craiu

Being the only female in an otherwise all male 6 piece band might seem difficult, but Tena commands the band fantastically. Avoiding the Karen O approach to being a frontwoman, Tena opts for the mysteriously seductive approach. She does this in a way that allows her to be both of these without being overtly grotesque. Humility, however, is constantly maintained throughout - she's always ready to acknowledge the input of her band mates, and is completely "diamond in the rough" in her attitude towards everything. She swears like a trooper, is utterly vulgar and feels completely fine to yell at her cat, halfway through an interview, "stop being horny". For all this, she makes it seem endearing and winsome, which is a skill in itself.

Whatever you do, don't listen to Molotov Jukebox with any sort of preconceptions. Go forth and adore them, but make sure you first listen to them with your eyes closed and with isolating headphones on, just so that your surprise will be even greater. With Molotov Jukebox, it's all about the mindfucks.

Rating: 8/10

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