In 2021 Wigan based band The Lathums arrived onto the indie rock scene with a bang as their debut album “How Beautiful Life Can Be” quickly cemented their position as one of the most exciting new indie bands. Their second record “From Nothing To A Little Bit More” is a more introspective yet still fresh work of a group of musicians who know their audience well.
Beginning on a surprisingly melancholic note with sorrowful piano chords the first track “Struggle” instantly makes it clear that “From Nothing To A Little Bit More” is the most vulnerable The Lathums have got yet in their music. Opening up about self-destructive behaviours, its refreshing how immediately raw and honest lyricist and vocalist Alex Moore is. In contrast to other bands on the indie rock scene, The Lathums aren’t attempting to disguise themselves as something they’re not. Throughout the record straight forward lyricism takes precedence and not an inch of pretence is to be found.
Reflectiveness and emotive lyricism is at the core of “From Nothing To A Little Bit More”, in comparison to their previous work taking a more introverted and heartfelt approach. Tracks such as the ardent piano ballad “Turmoil” or the nostalgic acoustic number “Rise and Fall” take a charmingly soft approach to music and describe tough everyday feelings without sugar-coating things. There’s a sense of comfort and consolation to the folk influenced instrumentals and bare lyricism of the record which touches the heart with ease as if the music is offering its listener its sympathy.
Despite the somewhat more delicate approach of The Lathums on “From Nothing To A Little Bit More” the band has still maintained their anthemic indie style that will win over the crowd at a festival. The exhilarating “Say My Name” is an impressive example of this with its driving percussion and crowd-pleasing hooks as well as the cheery indie jangle “Lucky Bean” which adds in horns on the chorus. The Lathums ability to add such a catchy bridge and chorus to each number from the record proves they still know their audience and are playing to their strengths as well as keeping things entertaining on tracks like “Sad Face Baby” with engaging changes in rhythm and unique chord patterns.
The eight minute long closing track of “From Nothing To A Little Bit More” may make you raise an eyebrow at first glance, however “Undeserving” is actually one of the biggest highlights of the record. With Moore’s story-telling lyricism and the winding acoustic passages the song takes the listener on a meditation on life ending with the feeling of being tucked into bed. It’s the perfect finish for this accomplished sophomore album, cementing the fact that The Lathums are indeed still here to stay.