The Lathums are back with their first new music in more than 12 months, releasing new single Vice Versa today, 17 July. Arriving almost five years after their chart-topping debut album How Beautiful Life Can Be, the track begins another chapter for the Wigan indie band as they head into a busy summer of festivals and major support dates, while giving fans their first taste of where the band may be heading next.
Reflective yet uplifting, Vice Versa explores identity, dependence and the feeling of trying to find your place in the world. Frontman Alex Moore co-wrote the song with Grammy-nominated musician Ian Archer, whose previous credits include Liam Gallagher, Jake Bugg and Tom Smith, during writing sessions in Brighton that pushed Moore into a particularly open and vulnerable place creatively.
Explaining the meaning behind the track, Moore said it came from “a feeling of not fully belonging in the world we’ve built around ourselves,” despite having everything needed to survive. He described the song as sitting between connection and alienation, while exploring the need for meaning and peace alongside the fear of what people may carry within themselves. Moore also revealed the Brighton writing sessions quickly became something close to therapy, describing the process as one of the most honest experiences of his career.
Frontman Alex Moore leads The Lathums alongside founding members Scott Concepcion on lead guitar and Ryan Durrans on drums, with Matty Murphy on bass and backing vocals.
The accompanying music video was directed by long-time collaborator James Slater and visualises the vulnerability running through the track. While its lyrics explore reassurance and belonging, the song pairs that emotional openness with a bright indie sound that works well as a summer sing-along.
Vice Versa follows more than a year without a new standalone single from the band. The Lathums released their third studio album, Matter Does Not Define, in early 2025, followed by an acoustic edition, live album Live From Robin Park and the Gull in the Wind collection of B-sides. The band return to the stage tonight, supporting Richard Ashcroft at Alexandra Palace Park. See more dates below:
The Lathums’ 2026 Live Dates
Fri 17 Jul 2026 – London, Alexandra Palace Park*
Sat 18 – Sun 19 Jul 2026 – Nottingham, Splendour
Thu 30 Jul – Sun 2 Aug 2026 – Kendal, Kendal Calling
Thu 27 – Sat 30 Aug 2026 – Leeds, Leeds Festival
Fri 6 Nov 2026 – Leeds, First Direct Arena**
Sat 7 Nov 2026 – Cardiff, Utilita Arena**
Fri 13 Nov 2026 – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena**
Sat 14 Nov 2026 – London, Alexandra Palace**
Fri 20 Nov 2026 – Glasgow, OVO Hydro**
Sat 21 Nov 2026 – Birmingham, Utilita Arena**
* with Richard Ashcroft
** with Courteeners
All remaining tickets, and the opportunity to sign up to be the first to know about all upcoming live and release announcements, are available via www.thelathums.com
With the arrival of new music already prompting hopes that more may be on the way, Vice Versa feels like the first step into another era for the band. Almost five years on from their debut album, The Lathums may be older and perhaps a little wiser, but their commitment to heartfelt songwriting remains firmly in place.
For CultureCues, Vice Versa arrives at an exciting point for The Lathums as they head into a busy run of festivals and major live dates. The song feels thoughtful and personal, while its bright indie sound should work especially well live. After more than a year without a new single, this is a very welcome return. Consider the summer soundtrack officially started.
Vice Versa is out now through Modern Sky UK.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.