Latterman, for me, epitomise the melodic punk rock cliché of chanted singalongs and finger pointing in the vein of The Lawrence Arms et al. As well as packing in some of the best sing-along material I’ve heard in quite a while, this record comes with the absolute best selection of song titles I’ve ever had the pleasure to read; ‘the biggest sausage party ever’, ‘too many emo days’ and, my personal favourite, ‘there’s no way “punk was meant to be done’ (you clown doctor).’ Fantabulous.
The said sing-along tracks follow a familiar and predictable, but classy pattern. Frantic drumming and catchy chord sequences grab your attention without thinking to ask for permission before a mini pause comes along as vocals are shouted across an empty section of the track. It happens time and time again in records like this, but when it’s done this well it’s hard to not like it.
There are nods to classic artists all over the shop, but you all know what you’re going to get here: driving, husky anthems which refuse to leave your head. My only gripe really is that it’s over all too soon – 10 tracks, although none particularly short, seem to leave this record lacking ever so slightly. But hell, I can see this making a bit of an impression (classy 70s artwork and all) amongst those who would only casually pick it up. A record for friends, a record for good times; this is surely up there amongst Deep Elm’s top few. Buy.