SINCE breaking into the indie mainstream, The Lathums have been on an astronomical rise from four unlikely lads to indie cult heroes.
It's been a "surreal" experience, drummer Ryan Durrans tells me from the back of a tour bus driving through the Austrian Alps, and not one that is stopping any time soon.
The Wigan four-piece are currently on their first European tour, playing festivals and supporting rock legends The Killers at various locations across the continent.
In the midst of a busy summer schedule, the band will provide support for Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott at Saints stadium in July, alongside The Proclaimers.
With the Housemartins classic 'Caravan of Love' a trusted walk-on song for The Lathums over the years, supporting Paul and Jacqui will be yet another milestone moment for the young band.
Ryan said: "We have grown to love Paul's music as a four so we are buzzing for the gig.
"We always give 100% no matter where we are playing or who we are supporting so [with Paul, Jacqui, and the Proclaimers], I think it's gonna be a top-notch gig."
The Lathums first started catching the eyes and ears of musos back in 2019 after debut single 'The Great Escape' went viral in certain social media quarters.
Tim Burgess, lead singer of the Charlatans, asked the Wigan four-piece to play the Tim Peaks stage at Kendal Calling after another band dropped out, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Getting signed to iconic label Island Records, the band scored a number one album with 'How Beautiful Life Can Be', have sold out UK tours, and supported musical legends such as Paul Weller and the Killers.
After playing their first European shows, Ryan added: "It is surreal to be playing these big gigs in the UK and then also playing to new crowds in Europe and America.
"There are milestones being made all the time but I think we will only be able to completely reflect on it later in life.
"At the moment, everything is still a new experience and we are just really enjoying everything as it comes."
With the prospect of a few new songs "creeping into the setlist", the Lathums will open up for Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbot on Friday, July 22.
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