BARROWLAND MAGIC STRIKES THE LATHUMS AT THEIR VERY VERY BEST
LIVE REVIEW | THE LATHUMS W/ Vida Boys | GLASGOW BARROWLAND BALLROOM 14th March 2025 by Anne Kelly
Recording music together since their late teens, The Lathums have recorded some of the most accomplished sounds of the past decade. Often sounding wiser and more introspective than any of their indie peers, surpassing expectations and evolving with each release. With a nostalgic charm that can resonate deeply, this Wigan band are captivating listeners, a vibe that’s clearly evident in the energy of the crowd tonight.
Recently releasing their third studio album Matter Does Not Define, which impressively debuted at No.3 in the Official UK Album Charts earlier this month, the band were itching to get back on the big stages. In true Lathums style, the band launched the official tour with two packed out shows at Glasgow‘s most iconic music venue, The Barrowland Ballroom. With night 1 being declared as “The best they have ever been”, I can’t express just how excited I was to experience the unbelievable step up for myself. Because surely, The Lathums have already peaked? I mean, that’s what they keep fooling fans into believing.
The atmosphere at The Barra’s is always unmatched. There’s something so unique about the 1960’s dancehall that if you could bottle and sell it’s energy, it would be worth millions. Support the first two nights of the tour in Scotland were local band Vida Boys. Quintessentially ‘indie by numbers’, their sound was remarkably tight on the big stage. Their style dominated the space, with the strong crowds taking notice of their presence.
As the room continued to fill, the floor was already bouncing in anticipation. A mixture of seasoned players and newbies to boot, the crowd had music lovers from all walks and ages, all just as prepared to indulge themselves in the joy of The Lathums. Opening with the high energy numbers of ‘No Direction’, ‘Say My Name’ and latest album opener ‘Leave No Stone Unturned’. front man Alex Moore meant business. Donning a fresh lick of confidence, Alex commands the stage and crowd; an intense delivery that left him looking cool and composed, barely breaking a sweat or flashing a smile.
The setlist strikes a brilliant harmony between classic hits and new tracks, captivating audiences with familiar favorites before introducing the fresher sounds of Matter Does Not Define. Despite only being a couple of weeks in the world, the words are still being belted back by the crowd. ‘Reflections of Lessons Left’, ‘Dynamite’ and ‘The Jester’ are all just as powerful on stage as they are through my car speakers. ‘Heartbreaker’ radiates pure joy, designed for live performances that elevate the atmosphere and energy of the venue. As Alex moves energetically across the stage, the audience passionately sings along, their voices harmonising with the infectious chants of “La La La La La La La Laaaa”, providing enough dopamine to fill everybody’s cup tonight.
Some of the biggest hitters of the show were those that haven’t had much of a live airing lately. ‘This Place o’ Yours’ and ‘The Redemption Of Sonic Beauty’ were a real treat for us avid fans in the room tonight, and it was my first experience hearing either of them performed live. Unfortunately, the latter track, which showcases Alex at the piano, was somewhat overshadowed by the distracting chatter of audience members who took advantage of the quieter atmosphere to catch up with those on either side of them. A massive pet peeve at the best of times, the emotional depth of the track was mostly missed as a result.
‘Struggle‘ emerged as a deeply moving highlight of the performance, showcasing the raw vulnerability in Alex’s vocals. This song, which he has previously mentioned, carries significant emotional weight for him, especially after the untimely loss of his father during his teenage years. By holding his chest, bowing his head, and shutting out the visual distractions around him, Alex was able to fully immerse himself in the heartfelt expression of the song.
The band’s interaction tonight is quite minimal, both with the audience and among themselves. While they typically don’t engage in much storytelling during their performances, they seem especially subdued this evening, only pausing to express their gratitude with a heartfelt “thank you very, very much” or to briefly introduce the next part of the show. There are no introductions or spontaneous improv moments shared between the members, resulting in a performance that feels very organized and polished, yet somewhat devoid of personal flair at times. Yet, from a performance standpoint, each member is at the top of their game. Scott Concepcion, the lead guitarist, stands out as one of the most exceptional talents of his generation; with each tour, his confidence grows; his performances rattling your soul. I often worry that The Lathums must have peaked, since their talents are so consistently good, however, they still manage to outdo themselves every time.
The final few tracks ‘Foolish Parley’ ‘I See Your Ghost’ and newbie ‘Knocking On Your Door’ blend seamlessly, culminating the intense finale of ‘Fight On’. Returning for a three track encore, ‘Long Shadows’ receives it second ever outing and is just as much breathtaking as expected. ‘Stellar Cast’ is met with enthusiasm, emerging as a likely favorite from the new album, while the show wraps up with some lively attempts of a pit during ‘Sad Face Baby’. Ending on a euphoric high, the collective feeling in the room is absolutely one of outstanding awe.
If tonight’s performance can be encapsulated in a single word, it’s confidence. The Lathums have proved once again that they only really do get better every time and have absolutely no inclination of slowing that down soon. If you have been lucky enough to grab tickets for the ‘Matter Does Not Define’ Spring Tour then be assured that you are in for an almighty treat.
Remaining tickets, including exclusive VIP upgrades, can be found HERE
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