The Last Dinner Party recently released their second album, ‘From the Pyre’ on 17th October. This album captures the quirky, experimental, ethereal atmosphere of their first album ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’. It is evident the London band are branching out stylistically, with interesting harmonies, tempo changes and powerful instrumentals, while continuing to use their intensely spiritual lyrics. Personally, ‘This is the Killer Speaking’, ‘The Scythe’, ‘Count the Ways’ and ‘Rifle’ are standouts, with former two being the first and second singles released in the run up to the album. ‘The Scythe’ may be one of their best works, with beautiful and heartbreaking lyrics that speaks to anyone who has loved and lost. I couldn’t wait to hear this wonderful album live.
Their concert at The Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, on 17th November, lived up to my excitement.Â
The Last Dinner Party are a women and non-binary led indie-rock bad, formed in 2021. They are made up of Abigail Morris (lead vocalis), Lizzie Mayland (guitar and vocals), Emily Roberts (lead guitar, mandolin and flute), Georgia Davies (bass guitar) and Aurora Nishevci (keyboard and vocals). The drummer for this live performance was Caspar Miles, but Victoria Smith has also played in previous concerts.
This was my first time at the Corn Exchange, and while it is tucked out the way and maybe not the best concert venue in terms of location, it is in an area quite fond to me as I once lived about a ten-minute walk away. It not being in the city centre also meant the area wasn’t overcrowded, which made for a calm experience getting in. Once I got in, I looked at the, as seen at every concert, overpriced merchandise display. I did in fact buy a t-shirt as I couldn’t help myself and there were so many cool items on offer. I then got an overpriced beer and walked into the main concert hall with my friends.
We were quite late to arrive, which meant we were of course at the back of the crowd. As someone who is quite short, I had stand on my tiptoes to see anything that was happening on stage or occasionally stick my phone up in the air to record (I’m sure to the dismay of those around me) and look back at the action later. Regardless of not seeing much, the atmosphere was fantastic. The crowd were very lively, matched with my excited energy, and as far as I could see, everyone was respecting each other’s space. When I caught glimpses of the band members, I saw the most amazing outfits, which captured their unique essence. Lead singer Abigail was wearing a striped gown which encapsulated the band’s modern-gothic aesthetic.
What stood out to me most at the concert was how incredible the band sounded live. This was the first The Last Dinner Party concert I have attended, and their vocals were, for lack of a better word, insane. Their harmonies were beautiful and on point. Abigail was dancing and moving up and down the stage, but her vocals remained strong and controlled. Lead guitarist Emily’s performance was a tour de force, replicating her memorable and impressive solos from the albums there on the stage. Lizzie, Georgia and Aurora were wonderful also, along with tour drummer Caspar. The whole band worked together harmoniously, which produced a sound so similar to the album recordings while also bringing the energy of a live performance.
The Last Dinner Party played songs from both their first and second albums and stayed on stage for around an hour and a half. Most of their time was filled with music, but there were some pauses to break things up. One fan asked Abigail to design a tattoo, and she decided on a lamb if I remember correctly, which is one of the visuals from their most recent album as well as being featured in the opening song ‘Agnus Dei’, which translates in English to ‘Lamb of God’. The band also had everyone sing ‘Happy Birthday’ to a crew member on the tour, which made for a very wholesome moment. They also made sure to promote their charity initiative ‘Ribbons for Provisions’. Ribbons were given to fans in exchange for donations to Bankuet, a charity that provides essentials to food banks all around the UK. The proceeds from this concert went directly to Edinburgh food banks.
If The Last Dinner Party tour again in the near future, I will be there. Although I couldn’t see much, the atmosphere and sound made up for it. The audience were much livelier than at other concerts I’ve been to seen recently, I suppose not being able to resist the enticing stage presence of the whole band. I would recommend The Last Dinner Party to any indie-rock fans, and fans of music in general. Even if they aren’t your usual taste, I challenge you to not be won over by at least one song.
