The Lathums – Matter Does Not Define (Released February 28th 2025) 8/10
The pride of Wigan return tomorrow with their third studio album, “Matter Does Not Define”, after hitting top spot with their debut “How Beautiful Life Can Be”, and again with the sophomore effort “From Nothing To A Little Bit More”.
If the debut was raw talent, the follow-up saw the sound evolve and mature. This time around, The Lathums are no newbies, and a new-found expectation comes with this eagerly anticipated third chapter.
The band are currently flying however, and their sold-out homecoming show to 11.5k fans at Robin Park last year was a momentous occasion for the northern quartet.
“Matter Does Not Define” is also the first album as the current four. Matty Murphy (bassist) joined Alex Moore (vocals), Scott Concepcion (lead guitar) and Ryan Durrans (drums) to complete the current lineup during the previous album cycle, but this is his first record from start to finish, adding a new layer of vocal performance to The Lathums’ sound.
“Leave No Stone Unturned“ launches album three with a western guitar sound. It creates a new mood for a Lathums album, yet one that fans may find comparable to early favourite “Villainous Victorian”. It is the first sign of sonic exploration from the previous records. This is prevalent throughout and highlighted already through the contrasting singles. The opening track closes with a mischievous cackle from Alex; what does he have in store?
“Reflections Of Lessons Left” tells us where the album title came from, with “Matter Does Not Define” in the lyrics. “We’re all the same” they say; the lyrics in the second track are testament to the grounded nature of The Lathums, a band who have been propelled into the spotlight from humble northern beginnings.
“Stellar Cast“ and “Heartbreaker” follow – two of the singles. Scott Conception flourishes on the former, with the Ska influences shining through once again. The drunken connotations of the track resonate with the album listener. Something feels different already, and it will continue to keep you on your toes. Moving into “Heartbreaker” takes us from indie/ska to a country and western smash hit; the stand-out single.
The stand-out single is followed by the pick of the album tracks. “Dynamite“ is a catchy pop hit. Alex’s vocal range shines in a song that breeds fun and positivity into the album. The twists and turns of the sonic variations then continue as we step into “Unrequited Love”, the first slower track of “Matter Does Not Define”; a heartfelt number – something Alex has mastered many times already.
“No Direction“, the lead single, is controlled chaos. This was the earliest sign that The Lathums were willing to explore in the next chapter, more than we had seen previously. This precedes Alex’s range once again hitting home at the end of “Until Our Bitter End”, as he declares “kiss me like we will never kiss again” and exudes and air of confidence.
“Knocking At Your Door” is a highlight. Lyrically strong and tight as a band, with all individual elements coming together to create a wall of sound. This one takes an unexpected turn as we move into a “Boney M – Rasputin” esque party out of nowhere. Another sign of the Wigan band being playful and experimental with their sound on album three. They’re in a good place and we can feel it in this track.
“The Jester” is mature; the pace continues from the previous track and Concepcion is once again at the forefront. “Surrounded By Your Beauty” then sees Alex’s introspective and often self-deprecating nature showing within the lyricism. Writing music is Alex’s release, and his heart is certainly on his sleeve with this one.
“Long Shadows“ closes the album. It is the darker side of the single releases, and nothing feels more poignant than when we hear the words “and I’ll get by”. We have heard those lyrics before, of course, on the debut album’s single of the same title. But these two tracks couldn’t be further away sonically. Listen to the youthful innocence of “I’ll Get By” and then listen to “Long Shadows”; The Lathums have matured and perfected their craft. They are a special and talented band.
Overall, the album showcases a variety of elements, sounds, and genres. As hinted at pre-release through the varying nature of each single, The Lathums aren’t following a set formula now. This is no one trick pony, and they are here to stay.
The Lathums’ third album “Matter Does Not Define” is out tomorrow – Friday 28th February 2025!
…
Follow us here:
You can check out all episodes of The Northern Chorus Podcast on Spotify, Apple and YouTube, including interviews, reviews, rankings, music chat and more!
