The Lathums - Matter Does Not Define

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.

What very nearly saves the weaker moments is the band's commitment to their vision. There's an admirable fearlessness in their willingness to try new things, even when the results don't quite land. The Lathums might not have fully stuck the landing on every creative leap here, but their determination to keep pushing forward makes for an intriguing, if uneven, listen.