By Fearghal McGlinchey
“Welcome to the Music and Social Club at the Roundhouse in London, with your hosts, The Lathums.
One week after securing their second UK number 1 album, The Lathums were on top form as they rounded off the UK leg of their ‘From Nothing To A Little Bit More’ tour in London on Saturday.
The Roundhouse felt like the perfect venue for the group from Wigan – old school but refined for the modern era, just like the band on stage. And the show kicked off in exactly that fashion. As the lights lowered, the 1986 track ‘Caravan Of Love’ by The Housemartins played out, a staple introduction for the group before they enter the stage. It almost felt like the noise level raised as the lyrics “Are you ready for the time of your life?” were sung along to by the crowd.
As the acapella opener came to an end, the stage design was fully revealed. Half cut disco balls, funky carpets and an authentic sign on the back of the piano reading ‘The Lathums: Music and Social Club, Established 2018’. There wasn’t a single detail not considered.
The first track, ‘Say My Name’, which was also the first single to be released from the band’s new album, was followed by a mixture of tracks from both number 1 albums across the length of the set – which was highlighted by the crowd themselves as they chanted “UK number 1, UK number 1” in between many songs. The gaps between tracks were also filled with front man Alex Moore playing around with the crowd, saying they’ll be playing a new song next before proceeding to play one of the band’s most well-known tracks. During the second half of the set he stated on two occasions the next will be their last song, when in fact they had about 5 or 6 left. All of this added to the atmosphere and actually gave each song even more excitement when they started to play.
For me personally, when I found out I was assigned to shoot and review their show, I knew it wouldn’t disappoint. This was my first time seeing The Lathums perform live – and the fact I can’t wait to see them again just tells you how good the gig was. So get yourself down to the Caravan Of Love when it’s next in a town near you.”
