London-based band The Last Dinner Party has released their second album, From The Pyre. This new record follows their critically acclaimed debut, Prelude To Ecstasy, and explores themes of love, death, and personal experiences through a darker, more expansive sound. The album's structure allows for continuous listening, with the final track transitioning seamlessly into the first, creating an immersive experience for listeners.
The quintet has quickly risen to prominence since signing with Island Records in 2022. Their journey includes topping album charts, selling out major venues, and winning the Best New Artist award at the Brit Awards. Despite a demanding schedule, the band found time to craft a new collection of songs that reflect their growth as musicians and writers.
Key Takeaways
- The Last Dinner Party released their second album, From The Pyre.
- The album features a darker, more gothic sound compared to their debut.
- Many songs on From The Pyre have roots in the band's early days.
- The band maintains strong political stances, including on the Gaza conflict.
- Their music rejects short-form trends, favoring longer, more complex compositions.
New Album Explores Darker Themes
From The Pyre presents a more somber and grand artistic vision than its predecessor. Guitarist Emily Roberts noted that while the album's circular listening design was not initially intentional, it subconsciously influenced the track order. The record delves into complex subjects, incorporating elements of dreams, nightmares, and the human condition.
Bassist Georgia Davies highlighted the creative freedom experienced during the album's creation. She stated, "It felt like there were no limits for what we could do, whether it was a really long guitar solo, or something inspired by a Bulgarian folk choir." This sentiment reflects the band's enhanced confidence and musical skill, according to singer Abigail Morris, who added, "We'd improved as musicians and as writers, and we wanted to be challenged."
Album Details
- Album Title: From The Pyre
- Release Date: [Specific date if available in original text, otherwise omit]
- Genre: Alternative Rock, Gothic Pop
- Track Count: 10 songs
- Notable Singles: The Scythe
Rapid Rise to Prominence and Awards
The Last Dinner Party's ascent in the music industry has been swift. Signed to Island Records in 2022 after an early performance video, they quickly gained attention. Their debut single, Nothing Matters, became a widely played rock anthem, known for its direct and energetic sound.
The band's achievements include winning the BBC's Sound of 2024, reaching the top of the album charts, and performing three sold-out nights at London's Hammersmith Apollo. Their success was further solidified by winning the Best New Artist award at the 2025 Brit Awards. During their Brit Awards performance, there were plans for Emily Roberts to descend from the stage rafters while playing a guitar solo, a theatrical idea that ultimately did not happen due to time constraints.
"Confidence is the word we've thrown around as we've been writing," said singer Abigail Morris, reflecting on the band's development.
Creative Process Under Tight Schedules
Despite their busy schedule, which included 214 gigs, a short film, and appearances at Paris Fashion Week since 2023, the band managed to write and record their second album. Georgia Davies explained that a four-month break from touring at the beginning of the year was crucial for recording. However, many songs had been in development for a longer period.
Abigail Morris revealed that some tracks on From The Pyre, like The Scythe, originated years ago. She wrote the chorus for The Scythe when she was 16 or 17. The song, initially about a teenage breakup, later evolved into a deeper reflection on loss, particularly after her sister pointed out the connection to grief.
Background on The Last Dinner Party
The Last Dinner Party formed in 2021 in London. The quintet consists of Abigail Morris (vocals), Emily Roberts (guitar), Georgia Davies (bass), Lizzie Mayland (guitar), and Aurora Nishevci (keyboards). They quickly garnered industry attention for their distinctive sound and theatrical live performances, leading to a major record deal and widespread critical acclaim.
Personal Narratives and Theatricality
From The Pyre is a deeply personal album, even with the band's tendency to present their stories through elaborate, theatrical narratives. Abigail Morris explores this on the opening track, Agnus Dei, which describes an ex-partner as a celestial figure. The lyrics question the impact of immortalizing someone in a song, suggesting it might be preferable to traditional commitment.
Morris reflected on this theme, asking, "When you put someone in a song, when you make someone a muse, what does that do to them? Is it a gift or a curse to make someone live forever in a song?" She views mythologizing relationships as a way to control the narrative and transform reality into fiction. Over time, she notes, the lines between real events and the artistic fable can blur.
The band's flair for the dramatic extends to their live shows, where fans often wear elaborate costumes. This theatricality is also evident in the album's musical composition. Tracks like Second Best feature sharp guitar riffs, while This Is The Killer Speaking includes pointed lyrical observations. Woman Is A Tree opens with unusual harmonies, inspired by the television series Yellowjackets.
Social Commentary and Musical Innovation
Beyond personal narratives, the album also addresses broader social issues. The song Rifles, written by Georgia Davies, initially explored the futility of war. It gained new urgency following Israel's military actions in Gaza. The band has been vocal on this issue, describing Israel's campaign as "inexcusable."
The Last Dinner Party notably withdrew from Portsmouth's Victorious Festival after another group was reportedly silenced for displaying a Palestinian flag on stage. Davies expressed pride in their decision, stating that they could not justify "singing Nothing Matters and dancing around in our outfits at a place where a flag is seen as an act of political violence." She acknowledged the financial and fan disappointment but affirmed it was the correct course of action.
Collaborative Songwriting and Instrumental Prowess
The band emphasizes a collaborative approach to songwriting. Each member contributes significantly to the music. Keyboard player Aurora Nishevci is responsible for all orchestral arrangements. Emily Roberts, who holds a first-class jazz degree from the Guildhall School, is recognized for her guitar work, described by some as "venomous solos" and "perfectly judged riffs." Her style has been compared to guitar legends like Brian May and Mick Ronson.
- Aurora Nishevci: Orchestral arrangements
- Emily Roberts: Guitar solos and riffs
- Abigail Morris: Lead vocals and lyrics
- Georgia Davies: Bass and songwriting
- Lizzie Mayland: Guitar and backing vocals
The album has received positive reviews, with critics noting its ability to add a "sinister edge to their over-the-top theatrics." Reviewers have praised the band for making their peers "sounding listless [and] uninspired."
The Last Dinner Party actively rejects the trend of short, viral songs often seen on platforms like TikTok. Their songs frequently extend beyond five minutes, allowing for complex arrangements and dramatic build-ups. Emily Roberts explained, "Two minutes isn't long enough. We're five people. We each want to put our own stamp on the song. We like contrast in our songs, and dramatic build-ups. We couldn't do that in two minutes. It wouldn't work." The band confirms they have many more ideas in development, ensuring future music is on the horizon.