In the last year, The Lathums have established themselves as one of the most promising and exciting bands to come from the Greater Manchester area. The Wigan based outfit have been wowing audiences across the nation with their array of classic British indie music since their formation in 2019. ‘Foolish Parley’ first featured on the band’s October EP, Ghost, and the band has recently returned with a video for this dark track that oozes with emotion. The song is our pick for ‘Song of the Week’ as the band’s storytelling ability and excellent guitar work are on full show throughout, with frontman Alex Moore’s vocals put to the test.
The four-piece – consisting of Alex Moore (vocals/guitars), Scott Concepcion (lead guitars/vocals), Johnny Cunliffe (bass), and Ryan Durrans (drums/vocals) – had a fantastic 2020 derailed after the pandemic hit, with a supporting tour alongside Blossoms and rock legend Paul Weller cancelled. However, The Lathums seized on the opportunity to work on their craft and improve as a unit. This resulted in the band making their first mark on the UK album charts, settling at number 14 for their vinyl-only EP compilation, The Memories We Make. They also took the top spot in the UK vinyl chart later in the year for their Island Records debut, All My Life.
Commenting on ‘Foolish Parley’, Moore said: “Being honest, this just came to me out of nowhere, I can’t pinpoint from exactly where or why. Like a lot of songs, it was something that flowed freely, working the first time and, sometimes, it takes no more thinking about than that.”
‘Foolish Parley’ isn’t a track that required visuals, however, the band has been able to enhance this beautiful song with a truly unique and creative video. The visual is a blend of Bowie’s flair, and the insanity of films such as Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker and A Clockwork Orange. The arthouse feel does admittedly take time to adapt to, but quickly the song and video blend together to create something amazing.
The Lathums are set to have a breakout 2021, with a UK-wide tour featuring stops in England, Wales, and Scotland, as well as a sell-out show in Manchester and appearance at massive UK festival ‘Neighbourhood Weekender’. The Lathums are truly making a name for themselves off the back of their hard work and ability, and it will be exciting to see how they progress throughout the year.
Words by Paul Dawson
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