The large golden letters on the draped burgundy stage backdrop are impossible to ignore. They emphasize the remarkable journey thus far, igniting the achievements of The Lathums in a brief period.
The south London crowd delivers an ecstatic reception, having eagerly anticipated this moment. As the emotional intensity builds to a peak, the band steps onto the stage to resounding applause. It’s a significant and energizing moment.
Selling out the O2 Academy Brixton is no small feat, as it always demands something exceptional, and this indie rock band certainly possesses what it takes. If they had anything to prove, they've already done so.
With a new chapter unfolding, their latest album ‘Matter Does Not Define’ stands as the Wigan band's finest work. It's bolder, showcasing a strong belief in their craft, and it captivates the hearts and minds of listeners swiftly.
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The confidence surrounding the band now is perfectly fitting, and the members nod in agreement when the topic arises. Songwriter Alex Moore attributes some of this to maturity, as a few more years of experience make a difference. "Confidence has increased in all areas, really. You discover who you are, and getting older makes you more at ease with yourself."
This genuine confidence extends beyond rehearsals or live performances; it is evident throughout the project, including the third studio album. They have worked diligently on songs that resonate deeply with both themselves and their fans, a recognition echoed by Scott Concepcion, who believes that small progress can lead to significant advancements in this industry as the band continues to learn and gain insights.
"There are countless processes and nuances that you only grasp through experience. We’re naturally growing older—while still young—yet we are becoming more organized in certain aspects and have a clearer vision of our possibilities for growth."
Having a clear vision proves advantageous creatively, according to Moore. Combined with a better understanding of having more time and space for their work, they are committing more effort during pre-production to maximize studio time.
“I believe that on this record, we engaged in extensive pre-production, a lot of demoing, and allowed the songs to develop—particularly in terms of their live elements—which have grown musically tight before we enter the studio. It’s akin to muscle memory before we start recording, which helps shape the tracks naturally.”
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This transformation significantly influences the album-making process, according to Ryan Durrans. “Sometimes you enter the studio with just weeks to record an album and let it unfold as it may. However, this time, we had more room for creativity and enough time to experiment and explore.”
Moore views the overall sense of progression as crucial. “We strive to advance with every album we produce. Having time to experiment allows us to explore new ideas and consider the sonic aspects. The sound of the record is essential, as we want to progress and continue evolving without becoming stagnant.”
Though this is not a unique situation for bands, it feels distinct when they discuss it. They are a different band now, in the best possible way. The evidence is apparent. “It's been exciting to see people's initial reactions over the past few weeks,” he adds. “It’s the first time we've performed some songs live in an intimate setting where there's no place to hide. It's gratifying to hear people express their liking for the new songs before they've truly listened to them.”
There seems to be an undeniable sense of acute emotional openness in this project, yet Moore disagrees. The songs have always been authentic, conveying intimate messages about vulnerability and personal struggles faced by individuals like himself—young people who may not have been born into privilege.
“That’s just my writing style. I've always been open about my experiences. It's easier now that we have so much support and backing from others. Naturally, when people respond positively, it boosts your confidence. You start thinking, 'This is good; people like it.' I will likely always maintain this openness because that represents real music, music that holds meaning.
“It’s not disposable,” he insists. “I believe this theme runs through all our records; it reflects my writing style. My words stem from natural experiences. I have a fascination with language; I enjoy crafting words. It’s important to express oneself.”
There's a difference between discussing personal experiences and transforming them into music, which becomes a full-time career. This process involves speaking about life, experiences, and emotions. Learning, comprehending, and sharing is what they are focused on now.
“A lot of what we create stems from life lessons that have blended into our music,” Moore reflects. “I think we’ve gained a better understanding of ourselves in terms of who we are, what we aspire to achieve, and what we want to take from life. Stay savvy, be happy, and enjoy the journey—but remain focused.”
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It’s an impressive story, one they strive for alongside their fans. “It’s a real community,” asserts Matty Murphy. “Everyone is participating, helping, and
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The prominent golden letters on the burgundy stage backdrop cannot be overlooked. They serve to emphasize the remarkable story up to this point.