Pirates, cobblestones and ghosts swirl in unlikely harmony around the heads of indie heroes, The Lathums as they release their four-track, Ghosts EP, featuring acclaimed singles, I See Your Ghost and All My Life – OUT NOW on Island Records. A window opens once more into the mind of bookworm frontman, Alex Moore, with four-tracks that dive soul deep, swerve towards the surreal and pull wheelies of exuberant joy to leave deep tracks in the dirt of 2020 heading towards a bright 2021.
The EP concludes a hectic month for the band, following their return to live performance last week, streaming a special, one-off gig, Live From Blackpool Tower and performing I See Your Ghost for a national TV audience on Later… With Jools Holland.
Picking up lows to become highs, the story of July single, All My Life, the inspirational first song written by Moore as a sensitive and world-weary teen, echoes that of previously unreleased EP track, Corporation Street. Complete with Smiths-esque yodelling and a lilting, beachside ska-lite sound, the lyrics walk the happy/sad line walked by great writers who can point out the first ray of sunshine on the darkest of days. The Lathums’ wry, poetic positivity is a light that can’t be put out.
Moore says: “I was in a beautiful town in Lancashire, leaving a family celebration and I glanced to one side on the way home and, just at that moment, the sunlight hit the top of this incredibly steep, narrow, cobbled street and
In times of strife it’s good to talk and Foolish Parley, the EP’s closer, draws on archaic customs of the high-seas and the calling of a traditional truce for negotiations between warring factions to take place. Cast across burbling rhythms with shards of reverb-laced guitar, the warm, analogue accents of 60’s beat classics echo around rapid fire vocal lines that paint evocative pictures of familiar discord.
Looking ahead to a hopeful New Year, The Lathums – formed of Moore (vocals/guitars), Scott Concepcion (lead guitars), Johnny Cunliffe (bass) and Ryan Durrans (drums) – look into a 2021 filled with sold out, landmark shows including dates at Manchester’s O2 Ritz and London’s Electric Ballroom, plus celebratory festival appearances, including Sound City and Neighbourhood Weekender.
