Album Review: The Lathums - 'From Nothing To A Little Bit More'
Following an incredible string of single releases, The Lathums second album is finally here!
‘From Nothing To A Little Bit More’ opens with the heartfelt and honest single ‘Struggle’. The opening line ‘I sometimes think to when I was young to happier times, now they have gone, I’ll try to remember the things that made me smile’, instantly sets the tone. A feeling many have felt before, missing the ease and innocence of their younger self. Paired with a starting piano melody that swiftly moves into the more classic guitar sounds the Wigan band favour. TheLathums have done an exceptional job of with the choice of the opening track, allowing listeners to connect from the off.
Then follows the song we all know and love, ‘Say My Name’. What more can I say, it’s a fan favourite for a reason! Reminiscent of old school indie-rock, thepowerhouse anthem shows The Lathums to be one of the most exciting up and coming bands.
‘I know Pt1’ is a story told by singer and songwriter Alex Moore from the perspective of a man narrating his heartbreak, trying to piece his heart back together. Although the songs vibe has hints of old classic love songs, Moore sings ‘I asked a girl what’s wrong with me’, a truly heartfelt line delving into theemotions of mourning a lost love resulting into questioning oneself.
One of the more positive songs follow ‘Luck Bean’, a song written about Moore’s ex but preformed in the present tense despite the break-up. The song generates a feeling of comfort, exuding optimism. This follows on into the next song ‘Facets’ which provides us with an epic instrumental lead by lead guitarist Scott Concepcion.
When discussing the album Alex Moore said “Some of the best songwriters have been very sad, strange people. And I believe I’m one of those sad, strange people unfortunately.” However, Moore has used this to hone his craft, particularly in ‘Rise And Fall’, ‘Sad Face Baby’ and ‘Turmoil’, all facing up to theharshness of life. The things we tend to turn away from due to fear and lack of comfort, The Lathums find a muse in their music that allows them to process and express the hard times they have experienced. This theme of confronting the darkness continues into ‘Land And Sky’, with the lyrics ‘you’ve seen my charms but not my scars’ in a song that has a darker feel in tone. Throughout this album The Lathums have really stuck to an overall theme, creating ajourney for the listener, taking them through the darkness yet maintaining an optimistic outlook.
Continuing on to the penultimate song of The Lathums second album ‘From Nothing To A Little Bit More’, they present us a song shrouded by yearning. ‘Crying Out’ has lead singer Alex Moore literally crying out for somebody, a sense of desperation in his voice makes it all the more emotional.
Closing out the album with the eight minute long ‘Undeserving’ described by Moore as “It’s like I’m talking to people about what they’ve just listened to and what it all means”. Accompanied by soft guitar sounds the lyrics feel conversational, a man sharing his emotions and thoughts. The song goes back and forth through positives and negatives, touching on thank you’s to everyone that has supported the band whilst experiencing gratitude alongside doubt. Moore sings ‘why is all this happening to a little sole like mine’, mirroring feelings of imposter syndrome.
‘Undeserving’ is a raw and honest navigation through the battles that go on inside ones head, ‘its frighting what the mind can start to think of at half past nine’.
Grief is a huge theme of this album, in the form of both bereavement and break-ups. The Lathums wear their hearts on their sleeves for the second album, bringing fans closer. The album as a whole feels like a dive into the mind of Singer and Songwriter Alex Moore in particular. The album contains hints of classic indie-rock sounds whilst further incorporating that signature Lathums sound we’ve been introduced to with their much loved debut. With It’s slight self-deprecating title ‘From Nothing To A Little Bit More’, this is an album The Lathums are proud of and rightly so! Exuding honesty, heartache and grief, with a melancholy yet optimistic tone. A well crafted body of work, resulting in an album I would highly recommend sinking your teeth into.
Words by Anna Street
