“THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH!” | THE LATHUMS | GLASGOW SWG3
TWO TIME NO.1 ALBUM WINNERS BRING THEIR WIGAN CHARM TO GLASGOW
Before I begin, I have to confess that this one is purely self indulgent. I just love The Lathums. Talented way beyond their years, Alex, Scott, Ryan and Matty have returned to Glasgow for their fourth appearance this year. From their back to basics sweaty pub tour at McChuills back in the new year, an intimate album outstore appearance to a sold out O2 Academy on the day of their second album hit the top spot of the UK charts, the Wigan lads are no stranger to Glasgow’s charm. To celebrate what has been their biggest year yet, The Lathums hit the road one more time this year and it so happens that the first stop on the four date tour is indeed, Glasgow.
Tuesday night in Glasgow’s West End and fans are assembling in their masses for what has went from a 1000 capacity TV Studio sell out to an upgraded Galvanizers Warehouse.
‘6000 square feet of concrete, iron and steel‘ – this former industrial warehouse is not my preferred choice of Glasgow music venues, but for this evening, this is our collective fan home.
BRÒGEAL
Before The Lathums make their impending Galvanizers debut, it’s over to Scottish Celtic punk band Brògeal to warm up the thirsty crowd. Their second SWG3 appearance in just 3 days, the soaring Falkirk band also opened for Rianne Downey on Saturday just downstairs in the venues TV Studio space. Unfortunately, by the time I arrive, Brògeal final song is being played out. If it was even half as lively as their performance on Saturday then these guys are surely on to a winner.
THE LATHUMS
Lathums time now, and from the opening track, Knotted Bed of Roses, it’s apparent that this show is going to be a wee bit special. A lesser known track by some, it feels as though the majority of people – well at least those around me – are still singing along loudly.
Settling into the more popular back catalogue, it’s tracks it’s the likes of Fight On, Lucky Bean and How Beautiful Life Can Be which generate the biggest crowd reaction. Spirits are high and there’s plenty of singing and hip swaying happening but for a Glasgow crowd, the atmosphere is a little flat at times. Perhaps it’s down to it being a Tuesday night and one too many people ‘taking the car’ but thankfully it doesn’t spoil the night. The band on the other hand, just continue to get better.
The instrumental skill from all four (plus the sneaky roadie at the back) is frankly outstanding. Scott Concepcion in particular never fails to amaze me with his mesmerising natural talent. Scott picks up his guitar like anybody else picks up their car keys. Once the key hits the ignition, it drives first time – the process just appears so effortless. However, once you acknowledge the level of skill and control going on, you can’t ever see past it. It’s hard to comprehend this young man is only in his early 20’s – can you imagine what’s still to come?
By the time we reach the midway point of their set, I have already inwardly declared to myself that this is the best Lathums gig yet. Probably the most modest front man of his generation, lead singer Alex Moore wins his fans over with nothing but his natural charm. His endearing demeanor, coy smile and gentle nature is addictively pure. Sipping at his multiple cups of steaming hot tea, this isn’t rock ‘n’ roll as we know it. It’s better, it’s refreshing and it makes this young band shine amongst the rest.
‘So you sit back, and you sing your song
And I’ll put you on my radio
I’ll sit back and ponder life
And I’ll think of lovely things
And I won’t let the door close, no
And if it does, I’ll jump straight through the window
I won’t ever let it keep me down‘
The midway point is marked with Alex going solo for fan favourite All My Life. Raw and pure, this track provides an opportunity of reflection if you need it. What never fails to bypass me at Lathums gigs is witnessing the moments of love around me. Couples intertwined with each other and friends singing as one with each other is something uniquely precious.
The second half of the evenings events highlights include their most recent single Thoughts of a Child – being played live in the UK for the first time – followed by Struggle, Foolish Parley and I See Your Ghost which finally gets the crowd bouncing. There’s a 5 minute pause when a member of the crowd requires medical assistance but Alex being the dear that he is acknowledges the cry for help and the guys to pause their set momentarily until the situation is resolved.
The encore collates the best of The Lathums with Say My Name, Sad Face Baby and lastly Artificial Screens. Dishearteningly, the sheer amount of people looking through the lens of an artificial screen as opposed to soaking up this final moment is heavy. I am as guilty as the next for taking live videos, but given the context of the song, it feels like a penny dropping. The innate desire to be able relive the moment robs the moment in itself.
Whilst the crowd lacked some of their usual rowdiness, the band were flawless. Over 90minutes of music and a set full of surprises, The Lathums get better every single time. It’s hard to believe this band have yet to peak.
The Lathums next join Keane on their Hopes & Dreams 20 Year Anniversary arena tour in May before playing their biggest show yet at Wigan’s Robin Park on July 19th! Tickets on sale NOW.
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