The Lathums' third album finds them caught between comfort zones and creative risks, delivering a collection that's equal parts ambitious experimentation and familiar indie foundations. '
Matter Does Not Define' sees the Wigan quartet pushing into new territory - sometimes successfully, more often less so - while holding onto the storytelling prowess that made their previous chart-toppers connect.
The narrative pieces shine brightest here. '
Knocking At Your Door' builds an engrossing tale with an undercurrent of menace, while '
The Jester' demonstrates their gift for character-driven songwriting. When the band lean into these story-focused tracks, they really hit their stride.
Their sonic adventuring yields mixed results. The ska-tinged '
Stellar Cast' feels like an odd detour for 2025, even if its "crazy dream"-inspired narrative charms. '
Heartbreaker' throws everything at the wall - group vocals, handclaps, glam-rock guitars - creating something that's enthusiastic but overwrought.
The album's simpler moments often work better than its busier ones. '
Unrequited Love' strips away the excess to reveal the band's emotional core, while '
Leave No Stone Unturned' finds a sweet spot between energy and restraint. However, tracks like '
Surrounded By Beauty' venture uncomfortably close to pastiche.
