Review

MATTER DOES NOT DEFINE finds LATHUMS at the peak of their creative powers, delivering an album that is as intellectually ambitious as it is sonically immersive. Released on 14 February 2025 in the UK and 21 February 2025 in the US via Suburban Sound Records, the record was meticulously crafted at Studio 3 in London and produced in collaboration with Maxwell Gray. From its opening moments, the album establishes a rich, textured soundscape that is both brooding and expansive. LATHUMS blend pulsating rhythms with haunting melodies, crafting tracks that navigate the complex interplay between introspection and defiant energy. The production is crisp yet layered, allowing the nuanced interplay of guitars, percussion, and atmospheric synths to shine through. Lyrically, the record is a contemplative exploration of identity and existence, questioning the very notion of what truly defines us in a world where material presence is fleeting. Each track unfurls like a carefully penned vignette, capturing moments of vulnerability alongside bursts of raw, unfiltered power. Critically, MATTER DOES NOT DEFINE has made its mark, debuting at number 3 on the Official Albums Chart in the UK and securing a commendable number 25 on the Billboard 200 in the US. This impressive chart performance is a testament to the album’s broad appeal and LATHUMS’ ability to resonate with a diverse audience. In an era where many acts opt for safe, conventional sounds, LATHUMS push boundaries with a record that challenges and rewards in equal measure. MATTER DOES NOT DEFINE is not merely an album—it is a bold statement of artistic intent, inviting listeners to question the limits of identity and embrace the beauty of the undefined.