It’s not often you hear a record where you can imagine each song being perfect for the stage – yet ‘Matter Does Not Define’ embodies just that. Three years on from their sophomore album, Wigan’s finest, The Lathums, are adding a cohesive and observant third album to their carefully crafted discography.
The Lathums have always been known for their punchy instrumentals and poetic songs, and their third full body of work offers a mature take on the sound fans know and love, solidifying the band’s identity. Opening with the bolstering ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’, the record introduces a new, slower-paced sound which the band dips into throughout the album, where each band member gets chance to show their musical talents.
Instantly, frontman Alex Moore’s brilliant vocals get to be the star, as the maturity in his voice shines through. The frontman’s stellar vocals and range are a highlight of the album. From piercing high notes in ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’, vocal runs in ‘Reflections Of Lessons Left’, loving melodies in ‘Love Of My Life’, or true passion in ‘Long Shadows’, there’s talent in every track. Alongside this, band members Scott Concepcion, Ryan Durrans and Matty Murphy tied the strings of all the tracks together, equally showing their talents through various solos throughout the record and defining the outfit’s punchy indie sound.
Moore says the first lyrics written for the record were “when will they learn that it’s not matter that defines a being? It’s the reflections of the lessons they leave” from ‘Reflections Of Lessons Left’. He says they “felt powerful and important to the times we live in”, and set the tone for the album.
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The record is certainly one of introspection and reflection, with lyrics such as “no future I can see in this materialistic life that we lead” in ‘Reflections Of Lessons Left’ and “if I could be anything I’d choose to be strong, not just in my body but mind and heart” in ‘Dynamite’. Similarly, ‘The Jester’ captures the introspective and observant essence of the record, and is one of my favourites, alongside ‘Unrequited Love’ which showcases the power of storytelling and is elevated by the added strings.
Through this, the band’s chemistry and joy to be making music still shines through on ‘Heartbreaker’, as Moore cheers on his bandmate for his brilliant guitar solo. The chemistry also shines through in the many anthemic and sonically pleasing instrumentals throughout the record, notably in ‘Stellar Cast’, ‘No Direction’ and ‘Surrounded By Beauty’, where the brass addition is also appreciated.
And the classic Lathums love ballads don’t go amiss, with swooning lyrics on ‘Dynamite’ and a folk-like declaration of love on ‘Until Our Bitter End’. The record even ends on a beautiful acoustic-guitar led ballad, with the closing lines being “‘if this is the end, one last goodbye, kiss my lips, love of my life”. The balance between slower tracks and up-tempo, classic indie anthems works well to not pigeonhole the band into one sub-genre.
Overall, The Lathums didn’t disappoint with their latest release. The tracks flow effortlessly in places and remain consistent with the band’s previous releases. While a few more ballads may have been appreciated, it’s made for an excellent album which I can’t wait to catch live on tour this year.
8/10
Words: Amrit Virdi
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