The Lathums give us a track-by-track rundown of their third album ‘Matter Does Not Define’

As The Lathums release their third album Matter Does Not Define, frontman Alex Moore has given Rolling Stone UK a rundown of the record and the meaning behind each of the songs. You can check each of them out in full below.

Alex Moore said: “We’ve had a lot of fun creating album three. Though only a couple of years have passed since our last album, it feels like we’ve matured immensely as musicians. One of my favourite lyrics on the album is from track three, ‘Reflections of Lessons Left’. “When will they learn that it’s not matter that defines a being? It’s the reflections of the lessons they leave” was actually the first lyric I wrote for this album, long before we even started planning it properly. It felt powerful and important to the times we live in, and I wanted it to resonate with others. That lyric became the catalyst for the whole album, setting its tone and message.”

‘Leave No Stone Unturned‘

“This song tells the story of Lucille, a character going through some tough personal struggles, possibly dealing with abuse or neglect, and feeling like no one’s listening to her. I wanted to explore themes like oppression, pain, and the fight for justice. The line “leave no stone unturned” is a call to dig deep and uncover hidden truths, both in our own lives and in society. There’s a strong sense of rebellion against those in power, with the hope that justice will eventually come, even if it takes time. The song blends personal pain with bigger issues like corruption and crisis.”

‘Reflections of Lessons Left‘

“I wanted to deliver a powerful message about unity, empathy, and the rejection of materialism. It emphasises the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, regardless of superficial differences, and critiques the emptiness that often comes with a materialistic lifestyle. No matter our backgrounds, we all share the same human experiences – breathing, suffering, and searching for meaning – while holding on to hope for a better, more beautiful world.”

‘Stellar Cast‘

“I got the inspiration for this song after one of our early gigs at the Brudenell in Leeds. It was one of the rare times I’d had a bit too much to drink before going on stage. That night on the bus back, I had a crazy dream, probably fuelled by all the Jamaican ale I refer to in the song. In the dream, there was a strange figure at the end of my bed that I couldn’t get out of my head for a long time after. It’s about someone who gets completely drawn in by this mysterious, almost otherworldly figure. They leave the person with more questions than answers.”

‘Heartbreaker‘

“I wanted to break away from my usual style, which tends to be more introspective and fictional. Lately, people are really embracing their true selves more, with a sense of pride and confidence. So, I wanted to create a feel-good song that captures that energy. Something empowering that people can sing along to and feel unstoppable, like they’re owning who they are.”

‘Dynamite‘

“I wanted to explore vulnerability, self-doubt, and the actual impact love has on our day-to-day lives. In the song, I portray love as ‘dynamite’. Someone who heals a broken heart and offers a sense of protection and comfort. Using imagery of the sea, light, and life’s challenges, I wanted to show how love can be both a source of strength and something overwhelming. Basically, this song reflects my own journey of accepting fragility while finding strength through a deep connection with someone special.”

‘Unrequited Love‘

“I shared the early stages of this song with our good friend John Kettle, and he described it as an ‘unrequited love story,’ which inspired me to fully embrace that narrative. The lyrics explore themes of missed chances, vulnerability, and resilience. The track was originally called ‘Not Shaking Baby’, the repeated phrase emphasises the ‘bloke’s’ inner strength and determination to stay composed despite uncertainty. He also expresses underlying emotions of time slipping away, but also holds a desire to move forward.”

‘No Direction‘

“No matter what, your past catches up to you. You can’t go back, what’s done is done and you either let it take over you or spend time on becoming better. I try to put more good in the world than the bad that has been dealt to me. I try to leave good messages that will maybe stick in the minds of the people I share this planet with. Good for the next generation that will continue to lead when we are gone.”

‘Until Our Bitter End‘

“We’re a working-class band from Wigan, and this song is all about staying true to those roots no matter where life takes us. It tackles the real struggles of growing up with little money, facing uncertainty, and craving some stability. I wanted to show that it’s okay to wake up in “tattered clothes” and make the best of what you have, while finding solace in a relationship built on honesty and support. Even when times are tough, it’s about sticking together and relying on each other.”

‘Knocking at Your Door‘

“The lyrics criticise how ordinary people are taken advantage of by those in power. As the song goes on, it changes from feeling hopeless to feeling empowered, showing that people are waking up to the unfairness and are ready to fight back. The use of “vultures” and “knocking at their door” is to resemble a collective stand against the exploitation, ending with a hopeful and defiant tone.”

‘The Jester‘

“This song is about a jester who puts on a brave face and entertains the royal court, but underneath all the laughter and dancing, he’s hiding a lot of pain. He’s stuck in a game where he’s just a pawn for the King and Queen’s amusement. Even though he’s always smiling and cracking jokes, there’s a real sadness in his eyes. It’s a story about the contrast between the jester’s cheerful act and the heartache he keeps hidden, shining bright in a world that doesn’t see his true self.”

‘Surrounded By Beauty‘

“This song is about realising how easy it is to get stuck in your own head, especially when you write a lot about your own life experiences. Even though I don’t usually talk much about myself, I’ve noticed through my songs that I can still get caught up in my own perspective. It’s frustrating because sometimes, even when I’m surrounded by good things, I feel stuck. This song is about wanting to break that habit, to become more present, listen more and appreciate the people and beauty around me.”

‘Long Shadows‘

“Long Shadows is a song about deep emotional struggle and the complexities of love. I’m expressing feelings of despair, isolation, and fear of change after losing love, evoking a sense of tragic suffering. Despite the darkness, we recognise love’s enduring presence, though it casts long shadows over our life. The song explores the dual nature of love and its ability to both heal and hurt. Through metaphors of light, shadow, and transcendence, we find hope in embracing vulnerability and seeks freedom through love.”