An indie band from Wigan are on course to dethrone Canadian superstar Drake from the top of the charts with their debut album.
The Lathums’ debut album How Beautiful Life Can Be is currently 3,700 sales ahead of its closest rivals, reports the Official Charts Company.
Produced by The Coral frontman James Skelly, the album has received rave reviews and the band has already been compared to the likes of the Arctic Monkeys and The Smiths.
The Lathums have also received praise from Sir Elton John and Paul Weller.
Their album is currently ahead of the new release by Public Service Broadcasting and last week’s number one Certified Lover Boy from Drake, which could fall to third position.
Taking to Instagram earlier this week, the band said: “Our debut album is out now and we couldn’t be more proud of it. We wouldn’t be here without everyone that’s supported us.
“The songs started off as help for ourselves but now we make them for anyone that needs a place to feel safe.
“This is for everyone, this is for the people that were told they weren’t good enough to do what they love.
“This is for the people that feel they’re outcasts, this is for the people that feel like they’re alone, this is for you, you’re never alone when we’re around.”
In August, lines of crowds gathered after the band announced they would be taking over a stall at Wigan Market to meet fans and sign merchandise ahead of the album release.
The Lathums have also become local champions after raising more than £4,000 to support Wigan Athletic Football Club through a fundraising raffle.
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