Distinctly feminine. Overflowing with religious iconography. Ravenous. These are some of the ways I would describe The Last Dinner Party, an all-female indie rock band.
When they perform, it is a haze of corsets, billowing skirts, and Dr Marten boots. The lead vocalist, Abigail Morris, allows herself to indulge in the music as she twirls and leaps across the stage. Her haunting and operatic voice echoes throughout the venue as she sings.
The group released their debut single ‘Nothing Matters’ in April 2023 and have since opened for The Rolling Stones, Hozier, and Florence + the Machine.
On February 2, The Last Dinner Party released Prelude to Ecstasy, their debut album which is stacked with themes of religion, sex, and girlhood. In a joint statement, the band said; “This is an archaeology of ourselves; you can exhume our collective and individual experiences and influences from within its fabric. We exorcised guitars for their solos, laid bare confessions directly from diary pages, and summoned an orchestra to bring our vision to life.”
The first track was surprising: an elaborate orchestral overture with the potential to be the soundtrack of a 1980s gothic vampire thriller. The song induces the feeling of impending greatness, a fitting way to commence the album.
Other notable tracks include ‘On Your Side’, a bewitching ballad about devotion and unreciprocated love. Regarding the atmospheric outro of this song, The Last Dinner Party said; “It turned into this wrenching shimmering section that sounds like the end of a poisonous relationship; dissolving, fragmenting, painful but also ultimately freeing.”
‘Sinner’ also deserves an honourable mention. It is catchy yet profound; the song delves into the shame that is often experienced alongside queer love. The repetition of the line “pray for me on your knees” as well as the use of phrases such as “altar of lust” implies the source of shame is Catholic guilt.
Another song that sparks goosebumps is ‘Portrait of a Dead Girl’. This track reflects on a soul-crushing betrayal through descriptive imagery of baroque artwork.
Prelude to Ecstasy also embraces dramatic tonal shifts. For instance, the first verse of ‘My Lady of Mercy’ is upbeat but the song swiftly transitions into a dark, fervent chorus reflective of the duality of love.
However, all successful musicians will inevitably suffer the criticism and hostility that accompanies fame. Due to their instant popularity, The Last Dinner Party has been accused of being an industry plant. Suspicions arose because the band has a clear artistic vision and flawless execution despite only forming in 2021.
While it is true that nepotism and preferential treatment run rampant in the music industry, is it unfathomable that five young women could become overnight sensations solely because they are talented? The Last Dinner Party makes powerful and relatable music that speaks to young women across the globe. Not to mention, they have a striking stage presence, which is an incredibly alluring quality.
Overall, The Last Dinner Party is distinctive and eccentric; I have no doubt that they will continue to take the music industry by storm if they continue to make evocative music with confessional lyrics.