Lathums - Matter Does Not Define

by Zena Grieg

published: 17 / 4 / 2025

Label: Run On Records
Format: CD

Engaging and evocative third album from indie rock band The Lathums

Review

Following up on their two chart-topping albums, English indie rock band The Lathums have now released a new album, “Matter Does Not Define”. Frontman Alex Moore described the scene being set for ‘Matter Does Not Define’ by the first lyrics written for it: “When will they learn that it’s not matter that defines a being? It’s the reflections of lessons they leave” (in the track ‘Reflections of Lessons Left’). The songs are propelled by a defiant optimism in the face of despair and deadening materialism. . Songs to listen out for in this twelve-track collection include: the opener, the upbeat ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’ with Moore’s insistent vocals and an impressive guitar solo taster by Scott Concepcion; ‘Reflections Of Lessons Left’ with its sobering line: “No future I can see/In this materialistic life that we lead”; invigorating ‘Stellar Cast’ with its frenzied guitar solo; catchy ‘Heartbreaker’ with its harmonies; the poppy ‘Dynamite’; the slow ballad ‘Unrequited Love’ with its emotive storytelling and accompanying string accompaniment; rocky, riotous lead single ‘No Direction’ with its insinuating refrain: “For there’s no direction, but up”; blues-infused ‘Knocking At Your Door’; ‘Surrounded By Beauty’, featuring a trumpet solo by Joe Corby (Red Rum Club), with its forthright, self-deprecating lyrics: “… I talk, and I talk, and I talk, and I talk of myself/And I never ask why or how for anybody else/And I lie, and I cheat, and I steal, and you know what is worse/I stand here surrounded by beauty and think that I’m cursed”; and the closer ‘Long Shadows’ bringing the album to a contemplative and powerful crescendo conclusion. Evocative, with thoughtful lyrics, sonically colourful and innovative, ‘Matter Does Not Define’ is an engaging listen.

Track Listing:-

1 Leave No Stone Unturned
2 Reflections Of Lessons Left
3 Stellar Cast
4 Heartbreaker
5 Dynamite
6 Unrequited Love
7 No Direction
8 Until Our Bitter End
9 Knocking At Your Door
10 The Jester
11 Surrounded By Beauty
12 Long Shadows
13 Leave No Stone Unturned (Acoustic)
14 Reflections Of Lessons Left (Acoustic)
15 Stellar Cast (Acoustic)
16 Heartbreaker (Acoustic)
17 Dynamite (Acoustic)
18 Unrequited Love (Acoustic)
19 No Direction (Acoustic)
20 Until Our Bitter End (Acoustic)
21 Knocking At Your Door (Acoustic)
22 The Jester (Acoustic)
23 Surrounded By Beauty (Acoustic)
24 Long Shadows (Acoustic)